Cebu Sun.Star

BRADLEY Beal was drafted on his 19th birthday and spent his entire 20s with the Washington Wizards, where he scored a lot of points, enjoyed a little team success, but also suffered through plenty of painful losses.

On Wednesday (Thursday, PH time), he turned 30. Not a bad time for a new chapter in the three-time All-Star’s life and basketball career.

Beal was introduced as a member of the Phoenix Suns on Thursday at the Footprint Center, more than a week after he waived a no-trade clause that allowed him to be sent to the desert in exchange for Chris Paul, Landry Shamet and a package of future draft picks.

“I feel refreshed, I feel rejuvenated,” Beal said. “This is an exciting moment for me. This is an awesome team.”

Beal is now part of one of the NBA’s most star-packed starting lineups, including 13-time All-Star Kevin Durant, three-time All-Star Devin Booker and former No. 1 draft pick Deandre Ayton. They’ve also got a new coach in Frank Vogel, who led the Los Angeles Lakers to a title in 2020.

“Bradley Beal is one of the best players in the NBA,” Vogel said. “We’re thrilled to have him be a Phoenix Sun with KD and Book. That forms a trio of three of the most prolific scorers in the game. A great two-way center, one of the best two-way centers in the game.

“These pieces are a great foundation for what we hope will be a championship run for this franchise.”

Beal’s arrival marks the latest big move for new owner Mat Ishbia, who has had an extremely eventful tenure since purchasing the franchise from the embattled Robert Sarver in February. Almost immediately after he was introduced, he approved the team’s big deal to land Durant at the trade deadline.

A few months later, he got into a brief sideline spat with Nuggets star Nikola Jokic during a playoff game. (The two have since made up.)

Now Ishbia and general manager James Jones have swung a deal that brings Beal and his big scoring numbers across the country. The three-time All-Star has averaged at least 20 points per game in each of the past seven seasons, including a career-high 31.3 points per game during the 2020-21 season.

Beal never got past the second round of the playoffs with the Wizards, but still has plenty of fond memories of his tenure in the nation’s capital.

“I have a lot of emotional ties to that city, my family was established there,” Beal said. “So I just want to take a moment to thank the city of D.C., thank the organization for allowing this partnership to happen.”

But Beal also admits he’s excited about his new challenge. The sharpshooting guard was often the Wizards’ main scoring option, but in Phoenix, he’ll be sharing the load with several other stars.

The Suns are trying to win their first championship since coming to the NBA in 1968. They’ve lost in the Finals three times — in 1976, 1993 and 2021.

“I’m excited to play with two Hall of Famers, I’ve never done that,” Beal said. “I’m excited about what that brings. They’ll push me in ways I’ve never been pushed and hopefully I’ll do the same.”

Beal’s arrival also means the Suns will have to engage in some salary cap gymnastics to fill out their roster. The foursome of Durant, Beal, Booker and Ayton will make more than $160 million next season.

A summer of bargain hunting on the free agent market awaits, but that’s a problem to worry about another day.

For now, Beal and the Suns are relishing a roster that looks like it will be among the very best in the league during the upcoming season.

“Hopefully, we can chase this ring,” Beal said. / AP

THREE-TIME world title challenger Arthur Villanueva dominated tough but inexperienced Thai Chatre Buakaewdee and stopped him in the fourth round in their scheduled six-round bout last Thursday, June 29, 2023, at the Spaceplus Bangkok RCA in Bangkok, Thailand.

Villanueva was calm and composed in the opening round. He landed a solid right straight that rocked the wild Thai fighter.

Villanueva had Buakaewdee in all sorts of trouble in the second round. He was accurate with his head shots and landed some vicious shots to the body.

Villanueva continued to target the body and landed some heavy head shots, but Buakaewdee was very tough and wouldn’t go down in the third round.

Villanueva punished Buakaewdee with some devastating hooks to the body and uppercuts to the head in the fourth. The referee finally saw enough and waved off the fight at the 1:43 mark.

The 34-year-old Villanueva, a former ALA Boy, won his activity fight after almost a year out of the ring. He improved to 35-4-1 with 20 knockouts. Buakaewdee suffered his first career defeat and dropped to 1-1 with a knockout.

Villanueva is looking for another world title run in the bantamweight division. He’s currently rated No. 19 in the bantamweight division by the World Boxing Council.

Three other Pinoy fighters were victorious in Thursday’s boxing show in Thailand.

Ador Torres (9-4-1, 6 KOs) successfully defended his Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) welterweight belt with a second-round stoppage of Thai prospect Sakda Langkabam (4-2, 4 KOs).

Jopher Montano (16-5-1, 14 KOs) also retained his World Boxing Organization Oriental welterweight strap with a sixth-round technical knockout of Muhammad Bilal (11-4-1, 9 KOs).

Unbeaten super flyweight female prospect Wenie Cline Verano (10-0, 7 KOs) ended a four-year hiatus with a unanimous-decision win over Monthawee Srisongkhram (2-2, 1 KO). (EKA)

FORMER world champion Milan Melindo makes the first title defense of his Oriental and Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) Silver featherweight strap against South Korean prospect Kang Jong Seon on Saturday, July 1, 2023, in Gwangju City, South Korea.

“My training went well. This will be a good fight because I’m fighting in his territory. This will be a challenge because my opponent is tall and skillful,” Melindo told SunStar Cebu. “I will surprise the boxing world.”

Melindo won the OPBF Silver featherweight belt with a lopsided unanimous decision over tough Thai Chaiwat Buatkrathok on Jan. 11 in Cebu City.

The 35-year-old Melindo has been training at the Prime Stags Gym in Talisay City. He had a solid camp with quality sparring with the likes of Filipino boxing legend Nonito Donaire Jr., former world champion Johnriel Casimero, former world title challenger Jeo Santisima, Kit Ceron Garces, Pete Apolinar, Franco Serafica, Marco Pomar and Ian Donaire.

Melindo is the former International Boxing Federation light flyweight champion after dethroning Akira Yaegashi in 2017.

Meanwhile, Kang is a former World Boxing Organization Oriental featherweight titleholder. He won the vacant title with a unanimous-decision win over Nam Jun Lee in 2021.

Kang suffered his first career defeat last year after bowing down to Filipino prospect Lienard Sarcon in South Korea. He successfully bounced back with a fourth-round technical knockout of Indonesian journeyman Ricky Manufoe on Feb. 18.

Melindo tipped the scales at 125.5 pounds, while the 21-year-old Kang weighed-in at 125.9 pounds.

Melindo is 39-5 with 14 knockouts, while Kang is 16-1-2 with nine knockouts. (EKA)

A 48-YEAR-OLD woman from Barangay Cogon Pardo, Cebu City strongly denied that there was foul play in the death of her 75-year-old lover inside a room at a resort in Barangay Cansojong, Talisay City on Wednesday night, June 28, 2023.

In an interview with SunStar Cebu, Evelyn Miñoza Magpayo explained that she and the elderly man have been going on dates in the said resort for the past 10 years.

In fact, their relationship bore a son, who is now eight years old.

Magpayo refuted claims that she killed the victim, saying she even tried to revive him by biting his ear and pinching the bottom of his foot or sole when he lost consciousness.

“Pag human namo nahagba nag kalit sa akung dughan si Tatay, tatay man akung tawag ana niya, unya niingon siya nako nga “adto na gyud ko Belen,” sabot nako adto nami, ako siya nga gipabarog na pero wala na gyud siya molihok mao to nangayo kog tabang ako gipislit ang kiting ug gipaak nako ang dunggan mao to naay samad sa dunggan niya,” according to Magpayo.

(After our (sexual encounter), Tatay suddenly fell on my chest, I called him dad, then he said to me "I'm going now Belen," I thought we're going, I made him stand up but he didn't move anymore, that's why I asked for help, I pinched the bottom of his foot, I bit his ears, which got wounded).

She said she then asked assistance from the resort’s employees when her lover did not respond.

Magpayo, however, admitted that the victim complained of tiredness before they checked in at the resort.

She clarified that the victim did not take a male enhancement drug, asserting that he was still physically active.

“Wala na siya moinom ug tambal kanang pagana sir kay dili man gyud na siya moinom. Kondisyon kaayo na si Tatay uy kay makatulo man gani na siya ka round pirme,” she added.

(He didn't take medicine to increase sex drive sir, because he doesn't consume that. Tatay is in excellent shape since he can consistently make three rounds).

She acknowledged that the victim's children got angry at her because she often came to their house.

Her only request from the victim’s children was to allow her to attend the victim's wake so she could serve him for the last time. (AYB, TPT)

GROUP B leaders F2 Logistics and Cignal clash even as PLDT and Akari kick off their campaign in Group A in the the Premier Volleyball League Invitational Conference at the Filoil EcoOil Centre in San Juan City, Metro Manila on Saturday, July 1, 2023.

F2 Logistics and Cignal will slug it out in a key face-off with the winner gaining the edge in what looms to be a wild race to the semis among six teams. The Cargo Movers dispatched the Farm Fresh Foxies in three, while the HD Spikers repulsed the Petro Gazz Angels in four in last Tuesday’s opener of the mid-season tournament of the league.

That makes their 6 p.m. encounter crucial in their semis bids, with F2 Logistics coach Regine Diego upbeat about their chances to make it back-to-back behind a solid crew reinforced by three ace rookies.

Former middle Ivy Lacsina expects to get better in a new role as open spiker after leading the Cargo Movers’ romp over the Foxies with 13 points while Aby Maraño, Kim Dy, Majoy Baron, who combined for 26 points, have always been ready to provide leadership and support, along with Myla Pablo, Ara Galang and Kim Fajardo.

But what makes F2, which finished fourth in the recent PVL All-Filipino Conference, formidable is the presence of rookies Jolina dela Cruz and setter Marionne Alba, who debuted with seven and five points, respectively.

With a single-round format in the two-division elims setup among 11 teams, every game counts and like F2, expect Cignal, bannered by Ces Molina, Roselyn Doria, Riri Meneses, the come-backing Jovelyn Gonzaga and skipper Rachel Anne Daquis, to likewise go flat out to nail the all-important win before the league takes an 11-day break to give way to the VNL (Volleyball Nations League) staging. (jnp)

Let us continue to pray for former priest, now National Democratic Front of the Philippines (NDFP) peace consultant, Frank Fernandez. We received news that he and his wife Cleofe Lagtapon were convicted of illegal possession of firearms at Taguig City Regional Trial Court Branch 266. The lawyers will likely submit a motion for reconsideration.

As peace advocates, we continue to clamor that the golden years of Frank’s life would be better used in peace-work and dialogue, rather than have him languishing behind bars. This is especially so as his conviction is alleged to have been orchestrated using manufactured evidence, planted at the time of his arrest.

Frank’s defense team presented that he and his wife were already under custody hours before the alleged arrest, taken to and from the hospital, and were returned to the place of arrest for evidence photos.

Since the defendants were under medical treatment, we were surprised by this case and its verdict.

As a peace consultant of the Government of the Republic of the Philippines-NDFP peace process, we urge for respect of Frank’s Jasig (Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantee) protection as well as humanitarian considerations given his advanced age.

Let us pray the peace processes can resume so that genuine peace can take root in our country.

People who call Cebu their home deserve to be called Cebuanos.

I don’t care if you’re originally from the National Capital Region, from other parts of the Visayas, or from Mindanao. You can even be from a country in Africa, from the subcontinent or wherever, I’m down with it. You are more than welcome to be my brother or sister.

However, and it is a big HOWEVER, you have to follow a few criteria.

For me, the most important is knowing how to speak the language spoken in Cebu. And by that, I mean Cebuano.

You don’t have to be fluent. But the fact that you are trying to learn my language already warms my heart, and I will be more than happy to help you improve your vocabulary to make you a better speaker.

It shows you are sincere in wanting to assimilate.

The other thing you must understand is that more than 90 percent of Cebuanos are Roman Catholics. I could have the numbers wrong, but I am confident that majority of Cebuanos are papists. Not all are practicing, though.

So what does that mean?

Well, when January comes around and locals start getting into a religious frenzy -- I exaggerate, of course, but just a little bit -- get into the habit of going two steps forward and one step backward. It takes much longer to reach your destination but the fun is in the journey, right?

Right.

Forget the fact that other Christian denominations may consider some of the practices heretical, but hey, when in Cebu...

So where am I going with this, you might ask? I can’t be yammering about for no apparent reason, right?

Right.

Earlier this week, the whole country celebrated Eid’l ad-Adha, or the Feast of Sacrifice, which commemorates Abraham’s devotion to Allah (God) and the survival of his son Ishmael.

I’m familiar with the Old Testament so I know who Abraham is and what he was willing to do in the name of religion.

The Jews, Christians and the Muslims all respect that.

Then the executive director of the Office of Muslim Affairs and Indigenous Cultural Communities said Cebu City must have a grand mosque to serve the large number of Muslims, around 6,000, living here, adding that Cebu is the only major city in the country not to have one.

I have to admit I ended up raising my eyebrows inadvertently.

The last time I checked Muslims account for less than one percent of Cebu City’s population.

A migrant from Iligan City said a grand mosque will “create an identity among Muslims” in Cebu. Another migrant from Lanao del Sur said “it will encourage young Muslims to engage more in religious practices.”

I have nothing against diversity. In fact, I believe that having a mix of people coexist peacefully only enhances a culture.

But they need to ask themselves, are they Cebuano Muslims or Muslims in Cebu?

A ONE-YEAR-OLD boy died after he was ran over by a sport utility vehicle (SUV) as he crossed the street.

The incident happened at 8 p.m. on Thursday, June 29, 2023, along the national highway in Barangay San Roque, Asturias town.

The victim was identified as Jherence Taglucop, who sustained severe head and body injuries.

According to Police Staff Sergeant Ronald Duran of Asturias Police Station, the child crossed the street without being noticed by his mother, Babie Enejean Purisima Taglucop, 22.

The Ford Everest Titanium (C45676) color black driven by Junthy Lepiten Valenzuela, 44, married, from Barangay Poblacion, Asturias, hit the victim.

Valenzuela was on his way home when the incident occurred.

He said the incident was so sudden that he failed to avoid the child.

Valenzuela was brought to Asturias police station but was later released after he promised to shoulder the funeral expenses of the victim. (GPL, TPT)

THE municipal assessor of Minglanilla town was suspended.

Mayor Rajiv Enad placed the town's municipal assessor, Melanie Vargas, on a 15-day preventive suspension.

The suspension order came after the local government learned that Vargas has not finished her reappraisal work despite the deadline given by the Cebu Provincial Government.

Enad asked Vargas to explain why the increase in real property values was slightly lower and why only 10 establishments were inspected.

As this developed, Mayor Enad organized a task force that will reappraise the real estate properties in the municipality.

"Na shock si Mayor Rajiv sa hitabo tungod kay sa iyang weekly meetings with department heads, ni report man ang assessor nga okay na ang tanang mga buluhaton sa iyang opisina," it added.

(Mayor Rajiv was shocked by the incident because in his weekly meetings with the department heads, the assessor reported that all the tasks in his office are done).

Lawyer Junrie Bragat, municipal administrator, expressed his commitment to finish the reassessment as soon as possible as well as to facilitate and deliberate on the results of reappraisal reports.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia had earlier called a meeting this week with all the assessors, engineers, treasurers, and mayor representatives of the 44 municipalities in the province to find out what progress has been made.

Vargas, when asked to explain, however said that she was not done yet with her reappraisal work.

Garcia gave all the municipal and city assessors under the jurisdiction of Cebu province to complete their reassessment reports in three months.

Because of the said incident, the Minglanilla municipal council submitted a resolution requiring Vargas to undergo an investigation. (ANV, TPT)

POLICEMEN in Cebu province are now ready to provide tight security for the Barangay and Sanguniang Kabataan Election (BSKE) this coming October 30, 2023.

According to Police Colonel Rommel Ochave, the chief of the Cebu Police Provincial Office (CCPO), they have already prepared contingency plans such as the deployment of police officers in the polling precincts and the patrolling of the barangays as the election draws near.

One of their tasks is to dismantle the private armed groups or PAGS and go after criminals who are hiding weapons that can be used in the campaign period.

But Ochave disclosed that they have not been able to keep track of any armed groups that could be utilized in the October election.

“As of now based sa ating validation wala pa yung mga private armed groups or armed groups nga pweding gamitin nung mga kandidato (that can be used by the candidatese) but continuous yung ating info gathering together with our counterpart sa AFP and other branch of government para masiguro na tahimik yung (to ensure a peaceful) election,” Ochave said.

In the 1,202 barangays in Cebu, the police have not yet monitored any election-related incidents, but they continue to investigate by tracking back the events of the previous election.

According to Ochave, they are now looking forward to the submission of the certificates of candidacy from August 28 to September 2 since this is the time when places where there are heated political rivalries will likely be known.

It is on August 28 when the gun ban starts.

Like in the previous elections, the police will intensify the conduct of checkpoints especially when the Comelec gun ban starts.

Meanwhile, the Police Regional Office (PRO 7) announced that they are always prepared regardless of whether the BSKE in Negros Oriental will proceed as scheduled.

But PRO 7 Chief Brigadier General Anthony Aberin said they still have to wait the decision of the concerned government agency.

“But we have to understand also na hindi naman po ang PNP ang mag di-decide (it is not the PNP that will decide), whatever the decision of the higher office or the agency concerned we the PNP will fully support to it,” Aberin explained.

The PRO 7 also pointed out that the crime incidents in Negros Oriental has lessened.

“We have seen that crime incidents on the first 100 days after March 4 has dwindled compared to the 1st 100 days before March 4,” Aberin said.

Police and military personnel beefed up security in Negros Oriental after Governor Roel Degamo was shot to death inside his residential compound in Pamplona town on March 4.

The incident also killed eight people and injured 17 others.(AYB, BBT, TPT)

THE Globe Group showcased yet again its steadfast commitment to the progressive evolution of Cebu's Information Technology and Business Process Management (IT-BPM) organizations, taking part in the recently concluded Digital Transformation Summit 2023.

Organized by the Cebu IT-BPM Organization (CIB.O), the conference was the largest signature event in the industry.

The Digital Transformation Summit 2023 brought together thought leaders and experts in digital transformation, financial technology, artificial intelligence, Global Shared Services, and other crucial and sought-after topics that require discussion in today's modern society.

Post-pandemic, the industry has gone through accelerated digital transformation, revving up growth, inclusivity, and progress. Globe Business and CIB.O stand side-by-side, brought together by a shared goal of propelling this change by offering a platform for dialogue, collaboration, and actionable insight.

Ana Paula Villaflo, the Globe Business Enterprise sales head for Visayas and Mindanao, highlighted the Globe Group's role in this undertaking, emphasizing how Globe supports the industry by providing innovative solutions and reliable connectivity.

"Globe Group continuously transforms itself from Telco to TechCo, providing the latest innovation platforms while ensuring stable and reliable network connectivity in Cebu and the rest of the Visayas region. Our ongoing partnership with Cebu IT-BPM Organization affirms our commitment to support our customers in their own digital transformation journey," said Villaflor in a panel discussion at the event.

Echoing these sentiments, Yoly Crisanto, chief sustainability and corporate communications officer of the Globe Group, added that their "mission is to see families' dreams come true, businesses flourish, and our nation admired. As a digital platform, we are moving forward with our vast ecosystem of ICT companies and partners within the Globe Group from the very foundation of connectivity services to higher-value services such as Big Data and Digital Applications. Globe’s suite of solutions continues to support the IT-BPM industry in the region."

The 2023 Transformation Summit, held on May 26, 2023, at the Cebu City Sports Club, marked a significant stride in Cebu's IT-BPM industry as it continues to grow exponentially. CIB.O continues to market the city to potential locators and ensure the industry's concerns are addressed locally and nationally.

“I take immense pride and honor in hosting this year's edition of the biggest convergence of experts in the local arena to foster better and more progressive collaboration that benefits not only the IT-BPM industry but every Cebuano and the revitalization of the biggest award-giving body of the region’s IT-BPM sector,” said CIB.O President Aseem Roy in his keynote speech.

This year’s theme "Going Beyond the Next Level Play" aligns with the Globe Group's commitment to exceeding client and partner expectations and extending its support beyond connectivity. The Globe Group's participation underscores its dedication to driving digital transformation and innovation to help boost the IT-BPM industry and drive national development.

To learn more about Globe, visit globe.com.ph. (SPONSORED CONTENT)

A PHILIPPINE offshore gaming operator (Pogo) that was raided by the police on Monday, June 26, 2023, is seeking an impartial investigation from the Philippine National Police (PNP), alleging arbitrary detention and reported abuse of those arrested while in police custody.

Xinchuang Network Technology penned a demand letter addressed to the PNP on Friday, June 30, 2023, questioning the continued detention of 1,184 foreign nationals who were held in custody following the raid, despite the absence of formal charges being filed.

It said some of them were made to sign documents “which they could not understand” without the assistance of their lawyers, while eight individuals, including three Chinese nationals, were reportedly subjected to physical abuse.

“In this regard, we are calling your good office to conduct an unbiased investigation on this matter so as to make accountable the people involved in the physical abuse and attack on these foreign nationals,” the letter reads.

A total of 2,714 alleged Pogo workers, including 1,534 Filipinos, were “rescued” during the implementation of a search warrant at Xinchuang Network Technology conducted by the National Capital Region Police Office and the PNP-Anti-Cybercrime Group, among others.

Brigadier General Red Maranan, chief of the Public Information Office (PIO) of the PNP, clarified in an interview that the foreign nationals, which include Vietnamese, Chinese, Malaysians, Singaporeans, Africans, Pakistans, Indian and Iranian, among others, will be released as soon as they are cleared for any offense.

He noted that representatives of the Bureau of Immigration as well as concerned foreign embassies are present during the process.

“’Yung na-rescue natin diyan at ayon sa ulat ay kasalukuyang pino-profile ng mga ahensya na concerned at siya pong in-charge sa pagkilala diyan sa lahat ng mga tao na natagpuan doon sa loob ng compound,” said Maranan.

(The ones we rescued there, according to reports, are currently being profiled by the concerned agencies, and they are in charge of identifying all the individuals found inside the compound.)

“As a matter of fact, majority of the Filipinos na nandoroon ay nai-release natin sapagkat madali naman ‘yung profiling sa kanila. Ang tinitingnan lang natin talaga maigi ‘yung mga foreign nationals, tinitingnan maigi ng Bureau of Immigration yan. But ‘yung kani-kanilang mga respective embassies were fully informed at ang alam ko nandun na ‘yung kanilang mga representatives para umalalay at asikasuhin yung kanilang mga nationalities,” he added.

(As a matter of fact, the majority of Filipinos who were there have already been released because their profiling was relatively easy. We are primarily focusing on thoroughly examining the foreign nationals, which is being carefully handled by the Bureau of Immigration. However, their respective embassies were fully informed, and I believe their representatives are already there to provide assistance and attend to their respective nationalities.)

Maranan also denied the maltreatment of the foreign nationals, noting that some of them sustained injuries during an attempt to escape the raid.

He assured that there will be an impartial investigation into the incident. (SunStar Philippines)

A MAN drowned after he was swept away by the strong water current as he crossed a spillway in the upland barangay of Cambinocot, Cebu City on Thursday, June 29, 2023.

Capt. Wilmer Castillo, deputy station commander of Talamban Police Station, identified the victim as Nelson Suplaag, 57, from the neighboring barangay of Paril.

Castillo said the victim went to the area to catch fish with his son and nephew when the incident occurred past 4 p.m.

Castillo said Suplaag was warned by his companions not to cross the river but he ignored their pleas.

Suplaag’s body was found two hours after the incident. / BBT, TPT

A MAN drowned after he was swept by the strong water current when he crossed a spillway in the mountain Cebu City barangay of Cambinocot on Thursday, June 29, 2023.

Police Captain Wilmer Castillo, deputy station commander of Talamban Police Station, identified the victim as Nelson Suplaag, 57, from the neighboring barangay of Paril.

Castillo said the victim went to the area to catch fish with his son and nephew when the incident occurred past 4 p.m.

Castillo said Suplaag was warned by his companions not to cross the river but he ignored their pleas.

Suplaag’s body was found two hours after the incident. (BBT, TPT)

PRESIDENT Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. assured on Thursday, June 29, 2023, the members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Intersex, Queer/Questioning, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) of his administration's support and protection against all forms of discrimination.

In a meeting with the LGBT Pilipinas in Malacañang, Marcos rallied for fairness and equality for all Filipinos regardless of sexual orientation and gender identity and expression.

He expressed confidence that Filipino people are more open-minded on such matters.

“I just wanted to say hello and to let you know that we in the Philippines ay ang habol lang naman talaga natin is that everybody is treated not for any other thing, not for race, not for creed, not for orientation, but just as Filipinos,” Marcos said.

“And that this government, that’s what it’s trying to do. But of course, there are many... I’m sure First Lady Liza (Araneta-Marcos) is even better briefed on the legal issues that impact upon your community,” he added.

Marcos said that as long as everyone stays true to the idea of recognizing fellow Filipinos, everyone will be treated fairly and without discrimination.

During the meeting, the LGBT Pilipinas pushed for more visibility and representation in the bureaucracy through the creation of an advisory body or commission on LGBTQIA+ affairs under the Office of the President.

They seek the first lady’s support to endorse their proposal.

In response, Liza expressed confidence that Marcos will grant their proposal “because he knows that you all campaigned for him and he wouldn’t be there without you guys.”

As she witnessed the oath taking of the new set of officers of LGBT Pilipinas led by Director Dindi Tan as its national president, the First Lady urged for the LGBTQIA+ community to always support one another, insisting there’s strength and resilience in unity.

For its part, the group, the only Securities and Exchange Commission-registered national alliance of LGBTQIA+ organizations, networks, and allied groups across the country, which was established in June 2016, committed to help local government units pass their respective ordinances on anti-discrimination based on sexual orientation, gender identity or expression and sexual characteristics (SOGIESC) such as those passed by the local government of Cebu City, Bacolod City, and Davao City.

They also further pushed for the national anti-discrimination law which is still being deliberated in Congress.

The group has around 120,000 members across the country. (SunStar Philippines)

AT least two projects worth around P27 million broke ground in Barangay Talima, Olango Island.

Mayor Junard "Ahong" Chan and his wife, Lapu-Lapu City Lone District Rep. Cindi Chan spearheaded the groundbreaking for the proposed evacuation center and a multi-purpose building on Olango Island on Thursday, June 29.

The evacuation center with an area of 1,335 square meters has an allocated budget of P17,810,000.

The project will be completed on November 30, 2023.

While the two-story multi-purpose building that will be sitting on a 153 sq.m. lot has an allocated budget of P9,894,004.

This will be completed on October 31, 2023.

Meanwhile, the construction of Pangan-an-Sabang bridge on Olango Island has already started, according to Congresswoman Chan.

Mayor Chan said that once completed, the bridge will boost the economy of Olango Island and Pangan-an islet.

He added that through the bridge, they can already provide electricity to Pangan-an 24/7.

Water pipes will also pass through the bridge to supply water to Pangan-an residents.

Mayor Chan said the bridge will also give the residents easy access to a mini hospital in Olango.

About P300 million has been allocated for the bridge project.

The phase one construction of the project costs P60 million.

“The Pangan-an-Sabang bridge holds immense significance as it reflects the current administration’s commitment to connecting people and communities in Lapu-Lapu City, ensuring equitable access to government services,” part of the resolution reads.

The 2.8-kilometer long bridge will feature shaded viewing decks with 500-meter intervals.

It will be accessible only to hikers, joggers, and bicycle riders to avoid disturbing domestic animals and birds in the nearby sanctuary.

Meanwhile, more than half of Congresswoman Chan’s budget allocation for 2023 has already been used for the rehabilitation and repair of the Angasil port in barangays Mactan and Marigondon that is expected to be completed in six months.

Chan is also planning to implement road asphalting project on Olango Island next year and finish all the uncompleted projects of the previous administration. (HIC with PR)

AN AMERICAN national was detained at the Talamban Police Station after he was caught picking up three water faucets without going through the counter of a department store in Sitio Nasipit, Barangay Talamban, Cebu City.

The foreigner was identified as Jeremiah Michael Stevenson, 37, who hails from Los Angeles, California, but currently resides on Cabantan St., Barangay Luz. Luz.

According to Larabel Arnejo of the Human Resource Department of Gaisano Talamban, their security guards, Protacio Eder Conge and Christian Cañete Eleptico, arrested Stevenson when he was about to leave the building carrying three faucets worth P9,989.

Police learned the suspect was previously detained at the Waterfront Police Station also for theft.

Maj. Janelito Marquez, chief of Talamban Police Station, said they will inform the American Embassy so that the foreign national can be deported. (AYB, BBT, TPT)

AN American national was detained at the Talamban Police Station after he was caught picking up three water faucets without going through the counter of a big store in Sitio Nasipit, Barangay Talamban, Cebu City.

The foreigner was identified as Jeremiah Michael Stevenson, 37, who hails from Los Angeles, California, but currently residing in Cabantan Street, Bo. Luz.

According to Larabel Arnejo of the Human Resource Department of Gaisano Talamban, their security guards, Protacio Eder Conge and Christian Cañete Eleptico, arrested the foreigner when he was about to leave the building carrying three faucets worth P9,989.

Police learned that that the suspect was previously detained at the Waterfront Police Station 3 for theft.

Police Major Janelito Marquez, chief of Talamban Police Station 8, said they will inform the American Embassy so that the foreign national can be deported. (AYB, BBT, TPT)

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THE ACER High 2023 “Back-to-School” promo is bigger than ever with over P2,000,000 worth of prizes at stake. This coincides with Acer’s 20th anniversary this year. 40 Acer customers will get a chance to win amazing overseas and domestic trips, and Acer and Acerpure products.

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