Cebu Sun.Star

AFTER getting hit by a fast craft last May 21, 2023, cargoship LCT Poseidon 23 is now back in full operations, according to the Philippine Coast Guard in Central Visayas (PCG 7).

Lt. Mark Anthony Tolentino, information officer of PCG 7, told Sunstar Cebu on Thursday, June 29, that the cargo ship did not incur major damages and was cleared to sail.

The cargoship was struck by the fast craft vessel mv St. Jhudiel, as it was traveling through the Mactan Channel after the latter experienced a steering controls malfunction.

mv St. Jhudiel was carrying 208 passengers and crew with at least 19 passengers being injured during the incident.

“It is a big vessel, and it had no damage. The one that was damaged was the St. Jhudiel,” he said.

The cargo ship is owned by Primary Trident Marine Solutions, while the Supercat Fast Ferry Corp. owns the fast craft.

It can be recalled that the Maritime Industry Authority in Central Visayas (Marina 7) announced a day after the collision disaster that the safety certificates of both vessels had been suspended while investigations were ongoing.

The suspension took effect on the day of the collision and would be lifted once the investigations were finished.

Dry dock

Tolentino said investigations confirmed the fast craft indeed experienced a steering casualty making it lose its ability to steer off or maneuver the ship.

mv St. Jhudiel is currently placed in a dry dock of Colorado Shipyard in Barangay Tayud, Consolacion town in northern Cebu for the repair and rehabilitation works of the vessel.

Tolentino said right after they performed the initial investigation, the results were forwarded to the PCG main office in Manila under its Maritime Safety Services Command.

By then, PCG would release recommendations to shipowners regarding the results of a broad investigation.

According to Tolentino, this might involve suggestions for stepping up safety inspections of the ships and for teaching commanders and crew how to handle emergencies.

Tolentino revealed there was a settlement between two shipowners. Thus, no cases were filed. Supercat also said they accommodated all passengers onboard.

NEGROS Oriental Gov. Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria to focus on intensifying the province’s security and peace and order first amidst the petition for the deferment of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) in the province this Oct. 30, 2023.

Sagarbarria told SunStar Cebu on Wednesday, June 28, 2023, that whether the Commission on Election (Comelec) en banc decides to proceed or postpone and move up to a later date the BSKE in his province, he will make sure to maintain the security and the peace and order in the province.

This was his comment on the ongoing public hearing and consultation in different towns and cities across the province, where various Local government officials and government agencies, churches, the business community, youth, and other sectors discussed the proposed deferment of BSKE in Negros Oriental.

Comelec chair George Erwin Garcia together with en banc officials, Armed Forces of the Philippines chief of staff General Andres Centino, and Philippine National Police chief General Benjamin Acorda, Jr. led the public hearing and consultations.

Reasons for the proposed deferment include security concerns, threats, possible violence, and criminal activities to take place in the province if the BSKE proceeds as scheduled.

He added the decision on the proposed deferment of BSKE is out of his hands and whether it was decided by the Comelec or by Pres. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to postpone or proceed, he will support such a decision.

The murder of Gov. Roel Degamo on March 4 has affected the tourism and commerce of the province, due to fear of possible violence and criminal activities.

Hence reviving tourism is one of his priorities in his term as the new head of the provincial government.

“I felt pity for your businessmen, to our resort owners, particularly small sari-sari store due to the fact that Negros Oriental was considered a hotspot, but I guarantee under my leadership the province is now safe and peaceful,” Sagarbarria said in a mixed Cebuano and English.

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has said that an increase in the minimum wage in the country may be implemented soon to alleviate inflationary pressures on workers.

This development was relayed by Marcos to International Labour Organization (ILO) Director General Gilbert F. Houngbo who paid him a courtesy visit at Malacañan on Tuesday, June 27, 2023, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) reported.

The President said the Department of Labor and Employment (Dole) had engaged in discussions with workers and labor unions regarding this matter.

“I think our negotiations with workers, with the unions, with the different negotiations, we will be able to come to a good working number, a good compromise,” Marcos said.

Resolving the issue

Dole Secretary Bienvenido Laguesma, who was also present during the meeting with the ILO chief, mentioned that they might be able to resolve the wage increase issue within the week.

Laguesma echoed the President’s comments by highlighting that majority of businesses in the Philippines fall into the micro and small categories. Micro businesses employ only one to nine workers, while small businesses employ 10 to 99 workers.

Laguesma also said that they will present the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, which has been endorsed by both the labor sector and Dole, to the President and the Cabinet before organizing a national tripartite conference. The PDP 2023-2028 is a plan for deep economic and social transformation to reinvigorate job creation and accelerate poverty reduction by steering the economy back on a high-growth path, according to the National Economic Development Agency.

According to the PCO, the current minimum wage in the Philippines ranges between P372 and P470, depending on the region where the business is located.

Calls

However, the PCO report does not provide specific details on the wage increase, including whether it will be enacted through legislation or the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in each of the 17 regions.

Labor groups have been calling for a wage increase, and some lawmakers have introduced bills supporting their cause.

One such measure is Senate Bill 2002, filed by Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri. The bill (the Across-the-Board Wage Increase Act of 2023) proposes a P150 daily across-the-board wage hike for employees in the private sector, regardless of agricultural or non-agricultural nature, capitalization and number of employees.

Earlier this month, fifteen business organizations in the Visayas jointly issued a statement opposing the legislation, citing potential harm to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) still recovering from the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic. They also expressed concerns about wage rate disparities across regions and possible discouragement of investors if the bill becomes a law.

The progressive labor group, Alyansa sa mga Mamumuo sa Sugbo-Kilusang Mayo Uno, disputed the business groups’ position, arguing that the P150 across-the-board wage increase would not significantly impact larger businesses. They referred to a study conducted by the non-profit research group IBON Foundation, which analyzed the effects of a P170 wage hike on various industries.

According to the IBON Foundation study, only micro-businesses with fewer than 10 employees would be significantly affected, and they would require government subsidies to achieve full recovery.

Negative effects

According to Marcos, the rapid industrialization and economic expansion could have negative consequences for the labor sector.

“When there is rapid industrialization and rapid expansion of the economy, there is a tendency to leave the labor sector behind and just exploit the labor sector,” he said, adding that more than 96 percent of the businesses in the Philippines are small or “nano-enterprises.”

“Our workers, of course, are asking for a (wage) increase, workers in those small businesses. We might drive the businesses out because they (employers) cannot pay because they are too small,” he added.

Assessment

Meanwhile, on Thursday, June 29, Marcos expressed that while his administration has achieved significant changes and growth since he assumed office last year, there is still much more work to be done, particularly to fulfill his promises to the people.

During an interview with reporters in Parañaque City, Marcos acknowledged an economist’s assessment of his first year in office as “incomplete.”

“I saw a report earlier this morning where one of the economists said ‘the grade that I will give for the President is incomplete.’ I agree with him. We are not done,” Marcos said.

Marcos said his campaign promises are still a “work in progress,” one of which is to boost the country’s agriculture sector.

“There are many, many things that we still need to do. We have to undo 30, 35, almost 40 years of neglect when it comes to the agricultural sector. And the agricultural sector still occupies the most fundamental part of our economy,” said Marcos, who is also the concurrent secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA).

“We have achieved a lot of growth. We are beginning to see the systemic changes that are going to be part of the new bureaucracy, but there is still a long way to go,” he added.

Inflation

Marcos also said that his administration has implemented initiatives to address the country’s inflation rate, which he considers as one of the challenges facing the Philippines.

Earlier this year, Marcos said finding ways to lower the country’s inflation rate kept him up at night.

In January, the country experienced a significant surge in inflation, reaching 8.7 percent, the highest annual rate recorded since November 2008.

However, inflation gradually decreased from February onwards, with rates of 8.6 percent in February, 7.6 percent in March, 6.6 percent in April, and 6.1 percent in May.

During this period, the country faced challenges in the supply of onions and sugar, resulting in a sharp increase in their prices.

The price of sugar soared to as high as P720 per kilo in December last year, while onion prices rose to over P120 per kilo.

In response, the administration established Kadiwa ng Pangulo in various parts of the country. This program, facilitated by the DA, aims to create market linkages and ensure accessibility, availability and affordability of essential commodities such as rice, fish, poultry, livestock, fruits and vegetables for low-income families.

It eliminates several marketing layers, enabling producers to earn greater profits by directly selling their produce.

One of Marcos’ campaign promises is to reduce the price of rice to P20 per kilo.

At a Kadiwa store in Quezon City, some residents are already able to purchase rice for as low as P25 per kilo.

Marcos stated that he will continue serving as the DA secretary until efficient systems are established to ensure the country’s food security. (KAL, TPM / SunStar Philippines)

THE new officers of the employees’ union of the Metropolitan Cebu Water District (MCWD) has decided to withdraw its petition filed on Sept. 21, 2022, before the Office of the Ombudsman, seeking the removal of three board members, including its chairman Jose Daluz III.

However, Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said in an interview on Thursday, June 29, 2023, that such move would not change the fact that the MCWD employees had petitioned against their chairman and two other board members.

Daluz, for his part, has welcomed the support of the employees’ union.

“I am very thankful to our employees, to the management for their unity in our MCWD institution. It is clear that our management, union, and employees as a whole, along with the Board of Directors, are united for the welfare of our consumers,” Daluz said.

With this development, Daluz said they can now focus on managing the water district, while the mayor can concentrate on serving the city.

He said the MEU’s decision will “give peace to MCWD.”

“Ang importante dinhi nga magmalinawon na ang MCWD aron maka-focus ta sa atong trabaho (The important thing is for MCWD to be peaceful so that we can focus on our work). I’m so happy nga nahitabo ning tanan (all this happened), and I hope that the mayor... he is a very understanding person. I think, he will understand nga wala nay problema (there is no more problem), mayor,” he said.

General assembly

During the general assembly attended by at least 400 members of the MCWD Employees Union (MEU) on Tuesday, June 27, a resolution was approved categorically repudiating, rendering ineffective, and abandoning the petition.

The former MEU officers had filed the petition, seeking the removal of Daluz and other members of the MCWD Board of Directors due to various issues. These issues included the alleged deteriorating corporate health of MCWD, undue interference in the appointment and personnel selection process, and the proposed increase water rates by 60 percent in July 2023, and another 10 percent in the succeeding year 2024, or a total of 70 percent.

The Ombudsman has endorsed the petition to Cebu City Hall for appropriate action, which the City used as one of the bases for its decision and recommendation to remove Daluz in May this year. This recommendation later extended to include vice chairman Miguelito Pato and secretary Jodelyn May Seno.

The new MEU members, led by its president Samuel Suson, condemned “all resultant political action” that stemmed from the Sept. 21, 2022 petition.

According to the resolution of the new MEU, the previous petition was made “without due consultation and discussion with the MEU membership” and it was “based on unfounded allegations. It also lacked “sufficient proof, and was taken as an initial step towards privatization by the previous MEU officers.”

The new MEU officers and members said they are against the privatization of MCWD.

Allegations

Based on their resolution, the new MEU officers and members clarified the following points, which were used as reasons by the previous MEU officers in filing the petition:

Regarding the increase in non-revenue water (NRW), the incumbent MEU officers and members explained that NRW was due to leaks from damaged pipelines during Typhoon Odette (Rai), pilferage and damage to pipelines caused by independent parties conducting digging activities.

On the allegation of minute management, including undue interference in the appointment and personnel selection process, the incumbent MEU said that no data was presented to support the allegation. They said the appointment and selection of personnel do not involve the board.

Regarding the issue of a planned 70 percent increase in water rates by 2024, the MEU clarified that it was presented without proper context. It explained that the proposed adjustment of water rates is necessary to address the rising capital and operational expenses incurred by the water district.

Addressing the allegation that MCWD does not meet the needs of the communities, the MEU debunked such claims, stating that it is unfair and uncalled for, particularly to the hardworking employees of MCWD who strive to provide the best and adequate service to consumers.

“The present MEU membership sees the declaration of the previous MEU officers as detrimental to the morale of the employees,” read a portion of the resolution.

Guise

The current MEU alleged that the previous MEU officers used the petition for the removal of board members as a guise, claiming that it was actually a declaration supporting the privatization of the water district.

It assures the current MCWD management and board members of its support, particularly acknowledging the board members’ independence, integrity and exceptional leadership in prioritizing the interests and progress of MCWD.

Rama’s reaction

Rama acknowledged the current effort by the MEU to withdraw the petition filed by its former officers.

However, he pointed out that there is already a record of MCWD employees accusing their chairman of the aforementioned issues.

The mayor said it will be up to the Ombudsman and Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) to decide and act on the petition and the recommendation of the City.

“The fact remains that there is a petition, and that petition, what? Should we burn it? We cannot just be burning it. It’s a document,” Rama told SunStar Cebu.

Timeline

In a press conference on May 18, City Legal Officer Jerone Castillo informed reporters about Rama’s decision to remove Daluz from his position as chairman of the board in the MCWD.

The reason cited for this decision was the water district’s “unsatisfactory” preparation for the threat of El Niño. Rama chose Pato as the new chairman.

On May 22, the City Government, represented by City Administrator Collin Rosell, sent a letter to the BOD members demanding that they submit the necessary legal formalities related to the appointment of Pato as the new chairman.

However, the board decided to defer the matter during its meeting on June 2.

In a press conference on Friday, June 16, Castillo announced the recommendation to remove Daluz, Pato and Seno. All three board members were appointed by the late mayor Edgardo Labella in 2020.

On June 19, Seno revealed in an official statement that a breakfast meeting took place last Feb. 16 between the executives of PrimeWater Infrastructure Corp., a company owned by the Villar family, and Rama at the mayor’s residence in Espina Compound, Barangay Guadalupe.

Daluz said that on Feb. 17, PrimeWater presented its proposal to the board and MCWD management, which, according to him, seemed like a complete takeover.

Both Rama and PrimeWater denied the allegations made by Daluz. (with PAC / TPT)

HOMEGROWN University of Cebu (UC) emerged as one of the top 10 schools in the country preferred by employers, according to a latest survey of online job portal JobStreet by Seek.

UC landed on eighth spot at 2.06 percent, along with two other schools, as one of the top educational institutions preferred by companies in the Philippines when it comes to recruiting applicants due to the strong impact of alignment of its courses/programs with the needs of the industry and also of its reputation.

Additionally, employers also see UC graduates as hardworking.

UC has been popular for having produced board topnotchers in the areas of engineering, marine studies, nursing, accounting and law.

Conducted last May 2023, the survey encompassed 42 industries and involved more than 700 companies of varying sizes from the platform’s hirer base, according to JobStreet.

Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) topped the list (23.39 percent) followed by University of the Philippines (UP) (9.17 percent) which ranked second and De La Salle University (DLSU) (6.88 percent) which ranked third.

Completing the list are University of Santo Tomas (5.28 percent), Mapua University (3.44 percent), Batangas State University (3.21 percent), University of Mindanao (2.29 percent), Technological Institute of the Philippines (2.06 percent) and STI College (2.06 percent).

“The survey aims to empower hirers to be more focused on the jobseekers being approached and guide them in crafting policy recommendations to enact changes in both the academe and in the workplace while obtaining a deeper understanding of the distinctive strengths possessed by each academic institution,” the company said in a statement.

Preference

According to the survey, hirers from information technology (IT), human resources and call center/business process management (BPM) industries are the top recruiters that hire talent from PUP and UP.

On the other hand, DLSU graduates are frequently sought after in healthcare, information technology, and property and real estate sectors.

Companies from call centers, BPM, business consulting and hospitality, among others, recruit graduates from UST.

Employers from construction, IT and telco are likely to hire graduates from Mapua Institute of Technology.

When it comes to employers’ desired attributes from applicants, the survey revealed that employers prioritize factors such as the schools’ alignment with their business sector, hard work and reputation.

Other factors they consider also include a candidate’s self-esteem, location and alumni status.

Growth in hirer base

Meanwhile, JobStreet also announced it has logged 40,000 active employers registered in its platform, double from an average of 20,000 employers before the Covid-19 pandemic.

This growth will pave the way for more job opportunities to be available for Filipino employees, according to JobStreet by Seek country manager Philip Gioca.

The growth of its hirer base also translated into P1 billion in revenue.

Currently, the platform records a daily average of 80,000 jobs available, the highest number to date since the pandemic.

Of these, 40 percent are entry-level jobs available for fresh graduates or jobseekers with no experience.

Gioca also added that 30 percent of the employers in JobStreet offer flexible working arrangements.

UNCLAIMED impounded vehicles will soon be auctioned off to open up space in the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) facility.

Kent Francesco Jongoy, the CCTO section head of the legal and investigation, told SunStar Cebu on Thursday, June 29, 2023, they will be officially proposing to the Traffic Management Board to auction the vehicles to recover uncollected penalties resulting from the unclaimed vehicles.

Still, Jongoy said the city’s traffic office is considering giving the owners enough time to redeem their vehicles.

“We will notify them that if they fail to do so, their vehicles will be forfeited, then we will proceed with the public auction,” Jongoy said.

“The office has just completed the first step of the auction process, that is, with the recently concluded inventory,” he added.

According to the data from the CCTO they have seized 1,628 motorcycles, 1,179 trikes, 20 bicycles, 169 four-wheeled vehicles, and seven trailer vans from 2011-2021.

“Once we have their approval and directives then we will proceed,” he said.

Jongoy explained that car owners have to pay fines for their violations and storage fees to claim the impounded vehicles.

The storage fee is P100 per day for two-wheeled vehicles, P200 per day for four-wheeled vehicles, and P500 per day for trucks and trailers.

They also have to clear any other pending violations related to their vehicles before getting them back.

TUESDAY this week, on June 27, 2023, the Supreme Court (SC) disbarred Lorenzo “Larry” Gadon for “scandalous” conduct when in December last year he went into a rant, spewing out curses and insults, which he himself video-recorded and circulated on social media, against journalist Raissa Robles.

He will lose his law practice and the right to pre-fix “Atty.” to his name.

More than six years ago, in a resolution dated January 31, 2017, the SC also removed the name of Cebu lawyer Dionisio Cañete, then 78, from the list of members of the Philippine bar. (Cañete died of Covid-19 on August 23, 2021; he was 83.)

DIFFERENCES IN TWO CASES. Atty. Cañete’s loss of his law practice and title was different from Atty. Gadon’s case because:

[] “Diony” Cañete himself requested that he be no longer listed as a lawyer. Gadon’s disbarment was initiated by the SC, acting “motu propio” (on its own), whose decision Gadon has resisted and will ask the high court to reconsider, arguing that the penalty is “harsh.”

[] Cañete was not accused of any misconduct: no individual complaint filed with, or initiated by, the SC or the IBP (Integrated Bar of the Philippines). No allegation of misconduct unfit of a lawyer. In contrast, Gadon was facing a number of other complaints for disbarment with the SC. He was suspended shortly after his “abusive” attack on Robles. And the disbarment resolution included a finding of contempt for his remarks against two justices whom he had asked to inhibit for bias against him.

The similarity is in the loss of the license to practice law. But Cañete’s case was a “Petition for Voluntary Delisting Attorneys” filed by Cañete himself. Gadon’s case arose from the action by the high court itself against Gadon.

Different motives stand out though from each case: Gadon didn’t and doesn’t want to be disbarred, calling the penalty “harsh,” implying that it is disproportionate to the offense. The action came from the high court, which didn’t want numerous complaints the justices received against Gadon “to fall on deaf ears.” Cañete, on the other hand, wanted to make his removal from the roll of attorneys as a protest against what he then believed was corruption among some prosecutors or “fiscals” and judges.

He was making a statement about what he suspected was going on in the prosecution and judiciary services.

WHO WAS DIONY CAÑETE? A passer in the 1960 bar exams, Cañete was elected in 1981 as vice president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Cebu province chapter. In the following year assumed the No. 1 post when the president resigned to run for an elective government office. In 1983, Cañete was elected president. serving his own full term until 1985.

Atty. Cañete was also known for his skill in arnis or stick-fighting, a sport taught by his father Eulogio Cañete and his uncle Ciriaco “Cacoy” Cañete. Ciriaco Cañete was the Filipino legendary and internationally known martial artist (grandmaster and 12th-degree black belter) of the Doce Pares Association in Cebu, which Cacoy founded in 1932. Diony himself was chairman emeritus of the World Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation or WEKAF, through which he continued the work of the older Cañetes in popularizing arnis. He was considered “father of arnis” when he died in 2021.

‘DISILLUSIONED’ LAWYER. Cañete had his own rant circa 2016-2017, not against a journalist or some justices of the high court -- as Gadon did, over the alleged lies of the woman reporter during the 2022 election campaign for the Marcos Jr. presidency -- but against some prosecutors and judges.

Cañete complained of “unspeakable justice” and “pain and humiliation” from prosecutors who dismissed nine out of 10 complaints he filed against a businesswoman in 2015 who sued him for unlawful detainer, when he allegedly refused to leave the premises of a property leased from her. A judge had ordered Cañete’s WEKAF to vacate the property and Cañete fired back with the 10 complaints against the businesswoman.

Cañete suspected graft and corruption then, even as Gadon six years later would accuse the SC of politicking and two associate justices of bias.

Cañete admitted to being disillusioned and utterly disappointed, according to a SunStory of February 25, 2017. When the SC resolution was released, he said he was elated that he was no longer a lawyer.” He told SunStar then he had no regrets but just hoped “my case will open a can of worms about corruption in the legal profession.” It did not; if it did, there was no published report about it.

LIBEL AS ‘CONSEQUENCE’ Cañete was arrested for libel on December 10, 2019, two years after he was delisted from the roll of attorneys on the basis of a Regional Trial Court warrant issued more than two weeks earlier.

Was it about his public condemnation of corruption “among brothers in the profession” when he petitioned the SC for delisting? He accused three prosecutors of corruption in his Facebook account. He told reporters he posted about “corruption of the fiscals,” the City Prosecutor’s Office, “unya tolo sila ka prosecutor nikiha.”

As to Gadon, for his video attack on Raissa Robles, the journalist sued him last February 4 (2023) for libel and violation of the Safety Spaces Act, saying that while she supports decriminalization of libel, Gadon’s “verbal attack” against her was “so egregious or outstandingly and appallingly shocking and horrific.” The assault, Robles said in her complaint “could inspire a new wave of vicious sexual, particularly directed against women who want to engage in political discussions online...”

Cañete, like Gadon now, had to face libel complaint as “consequence” of published commentary.

While Cañete didn’t engage in virulent attack, his FB post against prosecutors was to be assessed on the basis of libel. So would Gadon’s comments against Robles: libel law would govern this time, not the

Lawyers’ Code of Conduct and Accountability, which the SC used in having him disbarred.

WOULD GADON DO A CAÑETE? In his 2019 arrest at his house in Sto. Nino Village, Banilad, Mandaue City, Cañete made another statement of protest: he refused to post the P60,000 bail. He said he didn’t care when he lost his lawyer’s license; he wouldn’t care if he’d lose his liberty. He wouldn’t post bail, he said, “because I want to go to jail. I want to dramatize.”

The public didn’t know if he made good his threat as no follow-up story on the arrest came out, or how long he stayed in jail after he told media, “Barugan gyud nako.” Still, he had already shown grit in voluntarily giving up his title and practice of law.

You might not bet -- if Robles’s libel lawsuit would result in an arrest warrant -- on Gadon doing a Cañete.

Nepotism has a long history in many countries in Asia, with examples found in different periods and contexts. Here is a brief overview of the historical context and notable instances of nepotism in Asia especially in China, Japan and India.

Emperors and ruling dynasties often appointed family members to positions of power and influence within the government and bureaucracy. This practice aimed to consolidate familial control and maintain loyalty within the ruling family.

In feudal Japan, nepotism was pervasive among the ruling samurai class. Powerful daimyo (feudal lords) would often appoint their family members, such as sons or close relatives, to key positions within their domains. This practice allowed them to maintain control and secure their family’s status and power.

In South Asia and before India’s independence, the Indian subcontinent consisted of numerous princely states ruled by local monarchs. In many of these states, nepotism was so common that local rulers would often appoint their relatives to positions of power and authority within the state administration.

Modern Asia also gave rise to nepotism in business environments, particularly in family-owned enterprises. Family members may be given preferential treatment and positions within the company, often based on their family ties rather than their qualifications or abilities.

Strategies

Managing nepotism in a family business is essential to ensure fairness, maintain a healthy work environment, and maximize the business’s potential. So if you are in a dilemma and still insist that being blood is a birthright and translates to employment, then the next step is to make your children accountable.

Here are some strategies I would always advise founders and business leaders across Asia to effectively manage nepotism:

Develop and communicate transparent policies that outline criteria for hiring, promotion, and decision-making within the company. These policies should emphasize meritocracy, qualifications, and performance as the primary factors in making such decisions.

Implement objective quarterly performance evaluation systems that assess all employees, including family members, based on their performance and contribution to the business. Regular feedback and performance discussions can help identify areas for improvement and ensure accountability.

Offer equal opportunities for growth and development to all employees, irrespective of their familial relationship. Implement a system for career progression that is based on individual competence, skills, and achievements, rather than solely relying on family ties.

Promote the inclusion of non-family employees in decision-making processes and leadership roles. This can be achieved by providing them with meaningful responsibilities, fostering an open and inclusive work culture, and valuing their contributions.

Offer training and development programs to enhance the skills and competencies of all employees, including family members. This ensures that family members have the necessary qualifications and capabilities to fulfill their roles effectively.

Consider hiring external professionals or consultants for key positions, especially if they possess the required expertise and experience that family members may lack. External perspectives can bring fresh ideas, diversity, and valuable insights to the business.

Foster a culture of open communication, where employees feel comfortable expressing their concerns and ideas. Encourage feedback from both family and non-family employees and address any issues related to nepotism promptly and transparently.

Develop a succession plan that prioritizes competence and leadership qualities when identifying future leaders of the business. This ensures that family members are evaluated objectively and that the most qualified individuals are chosen to lead.

Family members in leadership positions must lead by example, demonstrating professionalism, competence, and a commitment to the success of the business. This can help build trust and respect among employees, both family and non-family.

By implementing these strategies, a family business can effectively manage nepotism, promote fairness, and maximize potential for success.

OVER 500 new residential units will be built in Danao City, Cebu with the groundbreaking of another Cebu Landmasters Inc. (CLI) project.

CLI on Thursday, June 29, 2023, officially began the construction of the 6.8-hectare residential village in Guinsay, Danao City.

Jose R. Soberano III, chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of CLI, said of the 595 house units, over 99 percent were sold two months ago, with a P1.97 billion expected sales revenue by 2026.

“As of today, June 29, we only have five units left, 99 percent were sold. The problem now is we do not have more units to sell,” said Soberano in his speech.

Edge

While the city of Danao is only 25 kilometers away from Cebu City, the rise of essential establishments like schools, grocery stores, hospitals, and transportation in the city has paved the way for Casa Mira Homes Danao to provide future homeowners convenience.

Soberano III assured future homeowners that Danao City is a well-governed and peaceful community, a suitable location to put up residential housing.

“We feel that it is conducive for residential developments here. We are just happy to give options to the people of Cebu. Danao also has great plans to improve the city,” said Soberano.

Boost

Danao Vice Mayor Ramon “Nito” Durano llI said Casa Mira is expected to bring forth development into the city.

Durano is hoping that this would shepherd a new business hub into the city.

“The effect of this is very enormous in the economy of Danao and it could also address the lack of decent housing,” Durano explained.

The vice mayor also looks forward to developers who would not just venture out but anticipate improving the lives of the locals.

“As long as it will serve the people of Danao and will help the economy of Danao,” he said.

Units

Casa Mira Homes Danao includes townhouses that are single detached with either two or three bedrooms, and have floor areas that range from 42 square meters (sqm) to 72 sqm.

The units include a kitchen, dining, and service areas (powder room, porch, and carport). Units are priced from P2.23 million to P3.6 million.

Other exclusive facilities such as a clubhouse, swimming pool, basketball court, and chapel are available.

Expansion

In a few weeks, CLI will launch the second phase of the project with 300 walk-up condominiums, fronting the highway and completing the 600 Casa Mira units.

Currently, CLI has branched out to big cities in Cebu and 50 percent of it’s projects are outside of the province, in 16 different islands, around the country, and will be entering Luzon soon.

When asked about the expansion of the Casa Mira brand in Cebu City, the Soberanos plan to expand their flagship economic brand in Consolacion and in some areas of Northern Cebu.

“After Danao City, we are looking at Consolacion,” the CEO said. (Denise Mae Codis and Claudine Flores, CNU Interns)

Someone got disbarred by the Supreme Court by a unanimous (15-0) vote. From the United States where she is now based, famous Filipina author Ninotchka Rosca tweeted, “Yeah, sure, disbarment is great—but the Bible recommends stoning.” She then quoted Proverbs 19:9: “A false witness will not go unpunished and whoever pours out lies will perish.”

Most group chats are filled with rejoicing. A case of simple schadenfreude or does Larry Gadon just have so many enemies? And while we’re at it, shouldn’t we also cite the admonition in John 8:7: let he who is without sin cast the first stone?

It takes at least eight years from graduation from high school and a lot of hard work and personal sacrifice to become a lawyer. The Supreme Court recognizes that. In Martin vs. Felix Jr., the Court declared that:

“The profession of an attorney is acquired after long and laborious study. It is a lifetime profession. By years of patience, zeal and ability, the attorney may be able to amass considerable means to support himself and his family, besides the honor and prestige that accompany his office and profession.”

Disbarment is like a death sentence to a lawyer. The loss of means is bearable. The damage to one’s reputation is not.

Thus the Supreme Court requires the highest quantum of evidence to warrant disbarment. In the same case of Martin vs. Felix Jr., the Court said “proof of the highest degree” is required to deprive a lawyer of his station in life “which would result in irreparable injury.”

While they will not hesitate to punish lawyers who do not live up to their oath as members of the Bar and officers of the Court, they will, on the other hand, also “protect them from the unjust accusations of dissatisfied litigants, the Court further said.

“The success of a lawyer in his profession depends almost entirely on his reputation. Anything which will harm his goodwill is to be deplored. Private persons, and particularly disgruntled opponents, may not, therefore, be permitted to use the courts as vehicles to vent their rancor on members of the Bar.”

Obviously, the High Tribunal was convinced that the highest degree of proof was established to warrant Gadon’s disbarment. In an institution where members are noted for dissenting opinions, the 15-0 vote to convict is telling. Note also that the Court acted on Gadon’s case motu proprio or on its own, without any complainant.

Gadon described the decision as “harsh” and announced that he will file a motion for reconsideration. Convincing at least a majority of 15 learned justices to change their votes looks daunting but that is not the same as saying that it is impossible. Good luck to him. It will not hurt his chances of a reversal if he stops accusing the Court of rendering a “political” decision in his case.

In the meantime, he can find comfort in the trust that Malacañang announced he continues to enjoy. Whether he’s a lawyer or not is irrelevant to his position as presidential adviser for poverty alleviation, the Palace said.