Philippines News

(New York) - The Thai Constitutional Court's decision to suspend from parliament the leading candidate for prime minister on politically motivated charges is a serious blow to democracy in Thailand, Human Rights Watch said today. The reformist Move Forward Party, led by Pita Limjaroenrat, 42, had secured 151 parliamentary seats, the most votes of any party in the May 14,

BASIC Energy Corp. adds another wind power prospect to its project pipeline after the Department of Energy (DOE) approved its Wind Energy Service Contract (WESC) for the Balayan Nearshore Wind Power Project.

The WESC received took effect on June 22, 2023.

The proposed project is located about one kilometer east of the Calatagan peninsula in Batangas.

Under the WESC, the corporation was appointed and constituted by the DOE to have an exclusive right to explore, develop and use the wind energy resources within the 2,835 hectares of contracted area.

The project will be able to generate and deliver power energy to the grid ranging from 140 to 168 megawatts (MW) based on the 4-WTG model simulation done by a foreign third-party consultant.

With the addition of the Balayan WESC to the existing Mabini and Panay WESCs, the wind power portfolio of Basic Energy stands at an estimated 350-400 MW. (PR)

PRYCE Corp.’s aggregate net income during the year’s first half rose 15.6 percent to P819.68 million from P708.78 million in the same period in 2022 due mainly to the improvement of margins in liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) as Luzon households started switching to branded LPG.

But consolidated revenues dipped 3.2 percent to P9.58 billion following the 26.1 percent drop in the average contract price to US$611.75 from $827.92 per metric ton last year.

LPG sales volume grew 8.9 percent. Operating expenses rose because of inflation and increases in the cost of logistics, salaries and wages, fuel and other items.

On contributions to consolidated revenues, the LPG business contributed P9.04 billion (94.3 percent); industrial gas products, P392.3 million (4.1 percent); and real estate and pharmaceuticals, P149.7 million (1.6 percent).

Earnings per share grew 16.5 percent to P0.3951 from P0.3391. (PR)

MREIT Inc., the Real Estate Investment Trust company of township developer Megaworld Corp. (MEG), has been notified by MEG’s board of directors of the approval of the sale of 279.4 million common shares in MREIT through an overnight placement.

The shares were sold at a transaction price of P13 per share, or a total of P3.63 billion.

Amid strong demand led by domestic and international long-only investors, the transaction was upsized by 10 percent from 254 million shares.

The transaction increases MREIT’s free float.

MEG will use the proceeds to fund further development of high quality commercial assets.

All the MREIT shares sold in the transaction are secondary shares owned by MEG, ensuring that the ownership of existing shareholders of MREIT will not be diluted.

Post- transaction, MEG will hold a 55.6 percent stake in MREIT. (PR)

A LABOR group based in Cebu has urged the National Government to address job security in the country as it criticized the layoff of more than 4,000 workers from a garment factory at the Mactan Economic Zone (MEZ) in Lapu-Lapu City.

The reason behind it is closures of factories, according to Partido Manggagawa (PM) Cebu Chapter.

“These are factory closures, not just mass layoffs. Even though the economy is growing, workers are suffering. More than 4,000 breadwinners have lost their jobs, and their families will now have to deal with all the difficulties of joblessness,” PM Cebu Chapter spokesperson Dennis Derige said in a statement sent to SunStar Cebu on Friday, July 21, 2023.

PM Cebu Chapter argued that the situation at MEZ exposes the vulnerability of a development model founded on foreign investment and export production.

“We need a paradigm shift away from export orientation. Economic and social development should be founded on a planned industrial policy that prioritizes domestic production even as it takes advantage of export markets,” Derige said.

PM Cebu Chapter said Mactan Apparel Inc. and its sister companies, MAI Printing and FIT Printing, will be closing down. These factories exclusively manufacture sportswear for the global brand Adidas and are part of the Sports City conglomerate, the biggest employer in MEZ.

Third wave

The retrenchment at Mactan Apparel is the third wave of mass layoffs at Sports City, PM Cebu Chapter said.

At least 4,000 workers were laid off across different garment factories at Sports City in September 2022, while there were 4,000 workers retrenched in September 2020 at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We call on global brand Adidas to explain why their supplier factories are closing down. Adidas should step up, be transparent and clarify to workers who made their sportswear why they are losing their jobs,” Derige said.

“Do not make the usual alibi for not doing anything that your supplier is complying with the minimum standards set by law. If Adidas is indeed a good corporate citizen, then it must exercise responsibility for the loss of livelihood of 4,000 workers,” he added.

The group urged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., who will give his State of the Nation Address (Sona) on Monday, July 24 to create more jobs.

“We demand of him: Trabaho at bigas sa bagong Pilipinas! Kung walang trabahong regular at walang murang bigas, bigo ang Pilipinas sa iyong pamumuno (Jobs and rice in the new Philippines! Without regular jobs and affordable rice, the Philippines will fail under your leadership),” Derige said.

The labor group called out the current administration to act upon its promises of job security, wage hikes and cheap prices for good. Various groups will stage a protest on Colon Street, Cebu City on the day Marcos delivers his Sona. (EHP)

The internet is buzzing with the most heartwarming and wonderful concept of “healing your inner child.” Everyone’s jumping on board on collecting all those sweet childhood treasures people used to cherish when they were younger—seashells, secret notes and chocolate coins, because hey, nostalgia is the name of the game.

For a few doll-collectors out there, TikTok users have been raving about Sonny Angels. These dolls are created by a Japanese named Toru Soeya and were released to the market in 2005. The toy manufacturer emphasizes that the main idea behind these toys is their ability to become the perfect companions, spreading happiness and providing comfort to young adult women.

Sonny Angels’ naked appearance aims to embody freedom from material distractions. Its delightful expressions are enough to steal the show. These lovable little figures truly embrace the idea that less is more.

Collectors from all over the world showing off their Sonny Angel collections wearing nothing but only cute headgears and adorable smiles that make them even more irresistible.

But here’s the coolest part: these angel little boys are all about surprise and excitement. Each one comes in a “blind box,” which means that buyers won’t know which Sonny Angel they would get until they tear open its adorable package.

According to its page, Sonny Angel’s series contains random “secret figures” coveted by collectors. Moreover, there are ultra-rare versions, limited to 10, 50 or 100 pieces ever made.

The initial collection, titled “Animal Series Ver. 1,” marked the debut of Sonny Angels mini figures adorned with adorable animal headgear. Over the span of 14 eventful years, a whopping 650 unique figures have come to life.

“Seventeen years have passed since the birth of Sonny Angel, who was born to make us all smile and add a little fun to our lives. From the corner of a room to a prominent display on a shelf, he has been delivering smiles and healing all around the world. The Sonny Angels regular series has been ‘refined;’ cuter and more stylish to deliver even more happiness,” it said in its official page.

In the Philippines, Sonny Angels have found a home in Fully Booked branches, with prices ranging from P400 to P550. The excitement doesn’t stop there, enthusiasts are bustling through online platforms, eagerly trading and selling their beloved collections. The thrill of the hunt has sparked meet-ups, where like-minded fans come together to share their passion for these delightful figures.

Sonny Angel’s charm knows no boundaries as it is proudly embraced by enthusiasts in 33 diverse countries.

The year 2017 witnessed the grand opening of official stores in Ishigakijima, Okinawa Prefecture, and Seoul, Korea, further solidifying its global presence. Not stopping there, the excitement continued in 2018 with the inauguration of a third official store in Taiwan, celebrating the delightful appeal of Sonny Angel with even more fans worldwide.

When the stresses of adulthood start creeping in, these little wonders are here to sprinkle some happiness and make everything better. Like a balm for the soul and an embrace for your inner child, their motto whispers a gentle reminder to “heal your heart.”

The more you learn how to prepare your own steaks, the more it doesn’t make sense for you to eat out. However, important decisions like these aren’t made solely on price alone. Sometimes, there is the actual experience of dining out to consider. For some, paying a little extra for the preparation, service and clean-up is worth it.

Taking all of these factors in, here are three steak experiences I’ve had recently, each at drastically different price tiers, and how all of them still serve a particular purpose, with one not outdoing the other.

Affordable

My brother and I like to hang out by the meat section at Landers Superstore Cebu. Surrounded by freezers, it’s literally one of the coolest places to be in. One day, he decided to treat himself to a pair of ribeye cuts sold at P366.38 for 458 grams.

Heat up the grill, render the fat; drizzle just a bit of oil before throwing the salt-pepper-garlic rubbed steaks on the grill for four minutes per side. Add a little butter with some rosemary and thyme. Baste generously each side for a few minutes before picking up the steaks and letting them rest on a plate before slicing them up; perfectly medium rare.

It took more time to cook up the mashed potatoes and sides, plus, the dishwashing that followed. But enjoying ribeyes at this price? Worth it.

Quality

There’s something about great steaks that lift the depressed from the depths of dejection. Sometimes, the thought of wanting to enjoy a good meal (solo or with friends) in a restaurant comes, and you are fortunate to be in a position to splurge a bit.

Fat Jim’s Steak House located in Hernan Cortes St., Mandaue City is one of those worst-kept secrets for pound-for-pound, good quality steaks priced right. For instance, its 400g USDA Angus Rib Eye steak (served with sauteed beans and your choice of either rice or mashed potato) is priced at P1,550.

There’s nothing else to say, really. Beautiful beef; each slice perfectly seared and seasoned.

Premium

Sometimes, the occasion calls for something special. My wife and I recently celebrated our first wedding anniversary and I decided to take her to one of the newer restaurants in town: Il Primo Italian Steakhouse.

I’ve had the privilege of dining at this Italian restaurant over NUSTAR Resort & Casino for more than a couple of times already thanks to official events or coverages, but this would be the first time I would walk in as a customer. Suffice to say, everything was excellent. We had the 500g Ribeye Angus Prime Excel at P4,900. We also had the Rigatoni Carbonara and a plate of Tiramisu. These were all wonderfully partaken of with a glass of red and Moscato.

I thought the meal was fitting of the milestone; and certainly, one can appreciate the dry-aged steaks prepared in the restaurant’s Josper grill—a combination of a grill and an oven. Afterward, a lovely stroll by The Strip overlooking the channel was a great way to end the night.

Each steak presented here is a champion of its own; you just have to find which one is best for you at a given time.

SYDNEY, July 21 (Xinhua) -- Group C favorite Spain made a strong showing in their Women's World Cup opener, blanking Costa Rica 3-0 in Wellington on Friday. However, Group B favorite Canada was left at a 0-0 standstill by Nigeria in Melbourne.

In a riveting first half, Spain displayed their famed possession game and got on the scoreboard through an own goal from Valeria del Campo in the 20th minute. This kicksta

It hasn’t been a good week for women in Cebu.

Last Saturday night, July 15, 2023, Fely Cabusas suffered first-degree burns on her face and body when her live-in partner Eleazar Amandoron doused her with hot water from a thermos.

Based on initial investigation, Amandoron had had enough after he caught Cabusas exchanging chat messages with her alleged lover.

The suspect told police the victim also liked to humiliate him in front of her friends by making fun of his genitalia.

He said they always argued because Cabusas insisted on making all the decisions.

Cabusas said she could never forgive Amandoron, and vowed to file a lawsuit against him.

She was lucky to have survived her ordeal, albeit scarred for life. The same could not be said for Perlita Cabanes.

On Sunday night, July 16, Cabanes, a domestic helper, was in the home of her employer in the northern town of Consolacion when her live-in partner Bernabe Biasca dropped by for a visit.

Their relationship had been on the rocks lately, apparently caused by his irrational jealousy.

When Cabanes ignored his presence, Biasca suspected her of having an affair. He flew into a fit of rage, grabbed a knife from the kitchen and stabbed her several times.

Asuncion Locoson, her employer, witnessed the whole thing.

When police arrived, it was too late. Cabanes was lying in a pool of blood. By the time they got her to a hospital in Mandaue City, she was dead.

Biasca remains at large, as of press time.

On Monday afternoon, July 17, the body of a woman was found stuffed inside a cardboard box that was left by the roadside in Barangay Tisa, Cebu City.

Police believed she had been tortured before she was killed, judging by her looks.

She was trussed up like an animal; feet and hands bound by wire.

The victim was later identified as 19-year-old Rhea Mae Tocmo, a native of Davao Region.

According to her sister, who lives in Panabo, Davao del Norte, she had no idea Tocmo was in Cebu until the latter asked her to book a ticket for her flight home.

The last time she was seen alive, Tocmo was riding a motorcycle driven by an unidentified man.

Police still have to identify her killer, or killers.

According to the report of SunStar Cebu’s Kaiser Jan Fuentes last March, the Philippine Statistics Authority 7 logged 1,189 incidents of violence against women across the region.

The data covers the results of the National Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) conducted in 2017.

It shows that “four in every 10 married women in Central Visayas have experienced physical, sexual or emotional abuse.”

There is no word yet though on the results of the NDHS conducted in 2022.

***

P.S. I would like to thank Dr. Maria Theresa Rosell, officer-in-charge of the Cebu City Assessor’s Office, and the staff at the receiving and claim area for the prompt delivery of service. It’s nice to know some things are changing for the good in Cebu City.

RAMONA Bachmann drilled her penalty kick into the left side of the net moments before halftime to set up Switzerland’s 2-0 win over the Philippines on Friday, July 21, 2023 in the Women’s World Cup opener for both teams.

Switzerland’s Seraina Piubel added a second-half goal, scoring on the rebound from a missed shot by Coumba Sow that ricocheted off Philippines goalkeeper Olivia McDaniel.

The Group A encounter was the first game inside Dunedin’s Forsyth Barr Stadium, the tournament’s only indoor venue. The crowd’s cheers echoed around the walls of the roughly half-full stadium, with an attendance of 13,711 in a venue that can fit over 30,000.

Philippines forward Katrina Guillou appeared to score a goal in the 15th minute, but it was waived off by an offside call.

Switzerland dominated offensively, outshooting the Philippines 17-3, but the Filipinas’ defense hung on. McDaniel held her own, making several key first-half saves—only allowing Bachmann’s late penalty.

Key moment

Officials made the key penalty call against the Philippines in the waning moments of the first half, drawing a chorus of boos from Philippines fans. Switzerland’s Sow slid for the ball in the Philippines’ penalty area and, as she went down, she was kicked by Jessika Cowart.

McDaniel went the wrong way on Bachmann’s penalty.

“Actually I was really calm, to be honest,” Bachman said. “I’ve been training on it a lot. I feel quite confident in them.”

Why it matters

With the victory, Switzerland moved into a tie for first place in Group A with New Zealand, and improved its chances of moving on to the round of 16. The Philippines played gamely in their Women’s World Cup debut but face a hard climb to get into the knock-out stage of the tournament.

In their own words

“Together, they made it really difficult to find solutions to get in front of the goal, so, yeah, it was a tough game. We knew that we had to be patient,” said Luana Bühler, Swiss defender.

“It’s just a moment in the game. There are hundreds of moments that happen in the game, and that just happened to be in the penalty box. (The Swiss) had luck at that moment. But they made their own luck with good play,” Alen Stajcic, Philippines head coach, said on the penalty that led to Switzerland’s first goal.

What’s next

Switzerland will face Norway, coming off an upset loss to New Zealand, in Hamilton. The Philippines will face an energized New Zealand in Wellington. Both matches are Tuesday. (AP)

THE Manila Chooks plunges back into action when it competes in the FIBA 3x3 World Tour 2023 Huishan Wuxi Challenger this weekend in China.

Leading the team in the Level 9 tournament to be held at the Wuxi Sunac Taihu Show Theatre from July 22 to 23 is the Philippines’ top-ranked 3x3 player, Mac Tallo, along with Dennis Santos, Cebuano Paul Desiderio, and returning import Marcus Hammonds.

Hammonds first joined the Chooks! stable when he represented Cebu Chooks! in the Riyadh Masters last season.

Chooks-to-Go president Ronald Mascariñas said the team has done all it can to be in peak form for this tournament.

“We’ve started our shooting session with coach Renren (Ritualo) early this month, and a Serbian strength and conditioning coach will join the team as well,” Mascariñas said.

“Manila Chooks! needs more international exposure, (to) build chemistry, and gain more confidence in the pro circuit,” he added.

Seeded 11th in the main draw, Manila Chooks! will kick things off in Pool C play on Saturday, July 22, 2023 against world No. 7 club Beijing of China at 4:35 p.m. before facing world No. 15 Utrecht of the Netherlands at 9 in the evening.

The Wuxi Challenger also serves as a qualifier for the World Tour Shanghai Masters that will take place from Oct. 14 to 15, with the top three finishers assured of slots to the Level 10 event. (JNP)

For more than two months, India's Manipur state has been wracked by ethnic violence between Kuki tribal groups and the majority Meitei community. More than 100 lives have been lost and tens of thousands displaced.

But it was only after a video emerged this week from May 4 showing a Meitei mob stripping and

UNBEATEN Cebuano prospect Reymart Tagacanao will be tested against former world title challenger Vergilio Silvano in an eight-rounder in the undercard of “Kumong Bol-anon XI” on July 22, 2023 at the PMI Toloto in Tagbilaran City, Bohol.

The 24-year-old Tagacanao has shown a lot of promise with just two years as a pro. He’s known for his knockout power, knocking out all of his opponents in the pro ranks.

Tagacanao, a native of Carcar City, Cebu, already fought twice this year and knocked out both Isagani Saludar and Ruel Julian in the first round.

Silvano should be a real test for Tagacanao if he indeed is a legitimate prospect.

The 33-year-old Silvano, a native of Dalaguete, Cebu, is looking to end a string of losses since he returned to boxing from retirement in 2016. He dropped five of his last six fights. He lost both of his fights this year against Pablito Balidio and Jahzeel Trinidad.

Silvano challenged for a world title in 2013 against the International Boxing Federation (IBF) minimumweight champion Katsunari Takayama. He lost to Takayama by a lopsided unanimous decision.

Tagacanao is 5-0 with five knockouts, while Silvano is 21-12-2 with 12 knockouts.

In the main event, Angilou Dalogdog (7-0, 2 KOs) clashes with Chinese prospect Long Yi Hu (6-1, 2 KOs) for the vacant World Boxing Foundation (WBF) Asia-Pacific flyweight strap.

Also in the undercard, Gerwin Asilo (5-0, 1 KO) locks horns with veteran Boy Dondee Pumar (10-9-4, 4 KOs), newcomer Althea Shine Pores slugs it out with Charimae Salvador (5-5, 2 KOs) in a women’s light flyweight contest, Sugarey Leonard Pores makes his pro debut against Nathaniel Bonggo (1-2, 1 KO), Richard Bago is also fighting his first pro fight against Enecito Jagopar (0-1). (EKA)

THE Nest Workspaces-2013 handed the reigning champions Heritage Supreme Land Developer-2012 a colossal 30-point beatdown, 81-51, in Division C of the 26th Sacred Heart Ateneo Alumni Basketball Athletic Association (SHAABAA) basketball tournament on July 19, 2023 at the Magis Eagles Arena in Mandaue City.

The writing was on the wall as early as the first period, as Batch 2013 zoomed off to a huge 20-3 lead and never looked back. Batch 2013 was so dominant against an undermanned Batch 2012 squad that they led by as much as 39 points, 76-37.

Rendell Senining led the winners with 16 points and seven rebounds, while Emman Malazarte, Arc Gabriel Araw-Araw and Fletcher Galvez had 11 points each.

Aaron Sing had 15 points for 2012, which dropped its second game in a row, after falling to Batch 2014 in their opening game last Sunday.

Meanwhile, Batch 2021 defeated 2015, 55-51. Rey Fuentes had a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds to lead 2021 to the victory.

Anton Nino Araw-Araw had 16 points for 2015, but was the lone bright spot for the team, which shot an atrocious 22 percent from the field. (JNP)

The drop comes as Tesla shares fell dramatically on Thursday, the outlet has said  

Elon Musk's wealth plunged by $20.3 billion on Thursday after Tesla's shares experienced their worst slump on fears of a drop in the company's profits, Bloomberg has reported.

Tesla shed 9.7% to $262.90 per share during tr

The drop comes as Tesla shares fell dramatically on Thursday, the outlet has said  

Elon Musk's wealth plunged by $20.3 billion on Thursday after Tesla's shares experienced their worst slump on fears of a drop in the company's profits, Bloomberg has reported.

Tesla shed 9.7% to $262.90 per share during tr

A female migrant watches the visiting delegation from atop a hill.

For years, the Eastern Route that cuts through Djibouti's arid northern regions has been one of the world's busiest migration corridors.

In 2022 alone, over 150,000

2022 COMPLAINT. Not knowing “success” or “failure” in the legislative work of the Cebu City Council was a complaint first aired by Minority Floor-leader Nestor Archival last August 10, 2022.

The Sanggunian approved an average of 65 resolutions per session, Archival said then, and councilors didn’t know how many and which resolutions were implemented. He wanted a running total of resolutions acted upon by the mayor or department head concerned.

The suggestions in 2022 ranged from a “cumulative report” flashed on the session hall screen and a system of tracking by the secretariat to the Sanggunian granting itself subpoena and contempt power. It’s not known what suggestions were adopted and are already working. But an ordinance on subpoena and contempt, filed by Councilor Mary Ann de los Santos and approved by the City Council, was vetoed by the mayor on January 19, 2023.

WHAT HAPPENED at the start of the Sanggunian’s inaugural session of Year Two of the 16th Sanggunian, held last July 5, 2023, aside from mostly self-congratulatory remarks of its members? Councilor Archival again raised the problem about councilors not knowing the result of their legislative work.

The numbers this time: 3,600 resolutions, 147 committee reports, 131 ordinances (37 of which became city laws), in 41 regular sessions, 36 executive sessions and five special sessions. Archival focused on the resolutions, specifically, about not knowing whether the proposals of the City Council were adopted or just ignored by the mayor.

THE VECO EXAMPLE. Councilor Archival cited the case of his resolution prodding the readjustment of the monthly electricity bill of Visayan Electric Company (Veco) for the city’s consumption of electricity for its street lights.

Archival said the bill, “about P14 million to P16 million a month,” should’ve already been cut down to about P7 million because most of the sodium lamps used for street lighting were already replaced with LED, which consumes only half of the sodium-lamp consumption. His resolution pushing for the adjustment has not yet been implemented, the reduction has not yet been “quantified” and the bill remains the same. The City Council first learned about the inaction from an earlier executive session.

Archival said that more important than the passage of the resolution or ordinance is the “intent or the achievement of the resolution or ordinance.” Vice Mayor/Presiding Officer Raymond Alvin Garcia asked, “You mean the implementation?” Archival: “The results or the implementation.”

WHY COUNCILORS WANT TO KNOW. Implementation is the “bottom line.” But the city mayor is not obliged to implement a resolution just because it comes from the City Council. An ordinance, yes, specifically a measure that the mayor himself signed into local law. But not just any resolution, which merely requests or suggests, with the mayor having the legal discretion to reject or ignore.

Archival and the other Sanggunian members understandably want to know the mayor’s action on a resolution. As to an ordinance, the mayor is bound by law to return it in case of veto, otherwise it is deemed approved within a period of time. Implementation is something else. There are ordinances that are or, in danger of becoming, “dead-letter,” a fate that a City Council resolution may try to avert.

Obviously too, councilors want to be guided on what to do next, if the matter concerns something important to constituents or themselves.

SUGGESTIONS, PROMISES. The suggestions and a promise made regarding the issue in the July 5 session, while the Sanggunian was discussing its House rules for the ensuing legislative year:

[] Implementing rules: An IRR, or implementing rules and regulations, said Archival. He was talking about resolutions but he must mean IRR to an ordinance. He believes an ordinance is “useless and cannot be enforced if there’s no IRR.

[] Oversight, tracking: For the standing Oversight Committee, which Councilor Pesquera heads, “to work harder,” said Pesquera. “Maybe to expand it, to include resolutions.” And as part of the Cebu City Council project with Philippine Councilors League, “to improve our system on legislative tracking, so that all offices will have copies, (and they can) peruse just in their own offices...” Archival: Document that. “Probably in 15 days.” Pesquera: “Immediate action. ‘Grabe sab nang’ 15 days.”

Referring to the Veco case, agreeing with the minority floor leader, Pesquera said, “as what Member Archival envisions, especially, yeah, correct that the City will save a lot if our resolutions will be implemented by the executive...”

[] Technical group, standing committee. Suggested by Councilor Phillip Zafra, the TWG is in addition to the Oversight Committee and will work on ordinances that need an IRR as the councilors don’t have the technical knowledge to draft implementing rules.

Zafra also suggested that the pertinent standing committee act on an issue, instead of calling for an executive session every time a situation arises. Councilor Francis Esparis supported the idea, saying he just realized that “we are not just legislators, we are also follow-uppers.”

VM Garcia said the TWG may be created by resolution, not in the House rules. Pesquera said the TWG may come from the Oversight Committee staff, not necessarily the councilors’ personnel -- and “in conjunction” with the mayor’s office because that office is supposed to prepare the IRR.

[] Legislative-executive liaison office. Proposed by Councilor Rey Gealon, the liaison office would impress on the mayor the “importance, relevance or significance” of a resolution or ordinance that’s not being acted upon by the executive department.

Pesquera said the Sanggunian secretariat, led by Atty. Chappy Piramide, will submit next session the organizational structure of her office, which will show the section handling legislative tracking, which has an E-Library that councilors can visit and check out. That will improve the tracking system, the councilor said.

[] Resurrect subpoena-contempt ordinance. “We cite them for contempt,” suggested

Councilor Mary Ann de los Santos who wanted to revive her ordinance granting the City Council the powers to summon witnesses and documents and punish disobedience. That is, if she could muster enough votes to raise it from the graveyard of vetoed ordinances and not be killed again by the mayor.

WHEN THERE’S NO RESPONSE. VM Garcia asked if it’s enough for the Sanggunian that the monitoring team (apparently Pesquera’s Oversight Committee) will report that it made follow-ups but after 60 days, no response was made.

“What is important is the result,” said Archival, “maybe we make more resolutions” if there’s no reply to the request for information.

CEBU Governor Gwendolyn Garcia insisted that the Cebu Provincial Government is entitled to claim compensation from the Department of Public Works and Highways in Central Visayas (DPWH) 7 for using its property.

It was earlier discovered that the DPWH had used a 42,615 square meter portion of Capitol lot along Osmeña Boulevard in Cebu City.

Garcia announced on Friday, July 21, 2023, that she had read the memorandum that Undersecretary Anne Sharlyne Lapiz had signed, in which it was indicated that the DPWH will not pay for the roads covered by the government project.

The undersecretary claimed that the Capitol just serves as "trustees" or stewards of those areas.

But the Capitol’s lawyers explained that the roads leading to the Cebu Provincial Capitol were bought by the province from a private company back in the 1930s, and it has titles proving that the said properties belong to the province.

Capitol purchased the said land from Cebu Heights Company Inc. because it wanted to relocate the building to a larger area, according to lawyer Rory Jon Sepulveda, the Capitol's legal consultant.

Based on the research by the Cebu Provincial Engineering Office, only 20 meters of area were allotted for the public road.

However, the DPWH increased the width of each side of the road by two meters, bringing the total width of the roadways it used to 24 meters.

It was reported that portions of Osmeña Boulevard and N. Bacalso Avenue that are owned by Capitol will be used for the construction of bus rapid transit (BRT) stations..

Sepulveda stated that they will possibly file a formal complaint to demand payment for the province-owned lots.

Some business establishments that have allegedly encroached on the lot owned by Capitol starting from Fuente rotunda to the Capitol building on Osmeña Boulevard had already been ordered by the provincial government to pay rent from the time they began occupying the area, as well as telecommunication companies and the Visayan Electric.(ANV, TPT)

The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) launched on Monday the E-Local Government Unit (eLGU) and eReport, two new features integrated into the national government’s mobile application eGov PH for transparency and speedy transactions.