STATE-RUN Pag-Ibig Fund has lowered its interest rates on housing loans, making home financing more attractive and affordable to Filipinos.
Under the new rates, the Pag-Ibig housing loan now carries a lower interest of 6.25 percent per annum under a three-year repricing period, down from the previous 6.375 percent.
Interest rates for repricing periods of five, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 years have also been reduced to 6.5 percent from 6.625 percent, 7.125 percent from 7.375 percent, 7.75 percent from 8.00 percent, 8.50 percent from 8.625 percent, 9.125 percent from 9.375 percent, and 9.75 percent from 10 percent, respectively.
The new rates came into effect on July 1, 2023.
Meanwhile, the agency’s home loan rate under its one-year repricing period remains at 5.75 percent per annum, while its special interest rate for home loans of minimum-wage earners under its Affordable Housing Program remains at three percent per annum, the lowest in the market.
According to Pag-Ibig Fund’s chief executive officer Marilene Acosta, the agency was able to reduce its home loan rates due to its strong fiscal standing, record-high collections and high-performing loans ratio.
“With our performing loans ratio at a high 92.53 percent and collections from both membership savings and loan payments at a record-high, we are able to effectively fund the high demand for our home loans without the need to borrow from the market. As a result, we were able to reduce the interest rates on our housing loan, despite the upward market trend,” said Acosta.
From January to May, Pag-Ibig collected P31.97 billion in home loan payments, which is 15 percent or P4.22 billion higher than the amount collected in the same period last year.
The amount is also a record high in terms of home loan payments collected by the agency for any January to May period, the agency said. (KOC)
THE Mandaue Business Month (MBM) 2023 was launched on Thursday, July 20, 2023, and business leaders aim to use the event as a platform for digital adoption, as enterprises must stay on top of their game amid changes in the market brought by the internet.
Kelie Ko, president of the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI), said businesses must adopt technology or else everyone will perish.
“This is the new era. If you don’t digitalize, then you die,” said Ko, quoting Ana Maria Aboitiz-Delgado, senior executive vice president and chief customer experience officer, as well as chief digital channels officer of UnionBank of the Philippines.
“Some people think digitalization is expensive. Some think digitalization is difficult. But what we are trying to do is tell them that it might not be and resources are available,” he added.
Ko led the launching of the start of MBM 2023 activities on Thursday, July 20, 2023, at the City Sports Club Cebu in Cebu City. This year’s MBM carries the theme, “Empowering Business for the New Era.”
Mandaue’s potential
For his part, MBM 2023 chairman Mark Anthony Ynoc invited the business community to join them in various events starting from August to October 2023, as these will showcase Mandaue’s potential as business haven and world-class industries that continue to contribute to the city’s economic development.
“We are indeed entering into a new era. Technology has ushered these changes and there is a need to equip business to cope up with the challenges. New business models, artificial intelligence, changing geopolitical landscape and borderless economies are becoming a norm and we have to face them head-on,” Ynoc said in his speech.
MBM 2023 will again feature its flagship programs—the Business Summit on August 23, at Marco Polo Plaza Cebu in Nivel Hills, Cebu City and the Business Seminar on August 24 at the City Sports Club Cebu. The summit will include relevant and crucial presentations from key industry players, highlighting successful business ventures and innovative strategies that will propel further Mandaue City’s
economy.
This year’s presentations will focus on the “digital takeover” and how businesses must adopt the online shift in the travel industry in a post-pandemic world.
Other events
MBM 2023 will also feature the Sugbo Negosyo Exhibit on August 16-20 at SM Seaside City Cebu at the South Road Properties. It will be held in collaboration with the Cebu Provincial Government and the Department of Trade and Industry.
The other events include Tree Brew Life, Lord of the Pins (a bowling tournament) on August 17-19; MCCI Talent Fest, Property and Investment Expo, and MCCI Chamber Night in later dates.
There is also the return of Bakery World Cebu, the biggest bakery and food service exhibit in the Visayas this year. MCCI last hosted the event in 2018, and it is expecting 187 exhibitors and around 800-1,000 delegates to join this year’s event that will be held at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino on September 14, 15 and 16.
“There will be seminars on food safety and how to use new processes and technologies. We will have a photographer to the stars and a food photographer to teach us about food photography,” Ko said.
MCCI has invited a seasoned keynote speaker and travel trend spotter, Sarah Mathews of Trip Advisor for the Asia Pacific region, and she will present the latest data on most of Asia’s tourist spots and their conversation, according to Ko. One of Matthews’ published suggestions for the Philippines was that the country must always stay authentic to its own culture to attract tourists and keep them coming back.
Unlike some countries that use artificial schemes to elevate their rankings, Ko said tourist spots must be improved and fully equipped to help small and micro entrepreneurs. (EHP WITH CNU INTERN HAZEL FAITH SAYMO AND NWSSU INTERN JURALYN BESO BALDOMARO)
Experts gathered in Ukraine to discuss ways to ensure prisoners' basic rights and needs are met during and after the war, as well as to ensure penal reform efforts continue as Ukraine rebuilds.
Kyiv, Ukraine, 21 June 2023 - While the war in Ukraine continues, leaving nearly 40 per cent of Ukraine's population in need of humanitarian aid, it has also caus
(Austin, July 20, 2023)-Reports that migrants and asylum seekers, including children, have been pushed back by Texas officials, stranded in sweltering heat, and wounded by razor wire installed under Operation Lone Star should be investigated and all federal support to the operation ended, Human Rights Watch said today.
An
THE Philippines makes history today, July 21, 2023, 1 p.m. (PH time) as it makes its first World Cup appearance.
The Philippines takes on No. 20-ranked Switzerland in its opening match in Group A in the 2023 Fifa Women’s World Cup at the Dunedin Stadium in New Zealand. The Philippines is coming in as a huge underdog in the group being the lowest ranked team at No. 46.
The Filipinas, however, is led by a very experienced and capable coach in Alen Stajcic, who once helped Australia reach the quarterfinals in the 2015 Fifa Women’s World Cup in Canada. The Philippines also has a lot of talent in its rosters with players that play club football internationally, the likes of Sarina Bolden, Jessika Cowart, Dominique Randle, Jacklyn Sawicki, skipper Tahnai Annis, Sara Eggesvik, Quinley Quezada, Carleigh Frilles and Katrina Guillou.
The Philippines reached the semifinals in the AFC Asian Cup and won the AFF Women’s Championship.
The Philippines was very busy in its preparation for the World Cup. It played in the Southeast Asian Games, the Olympic qualifiers and exhibition matches with Wales, Iceland, Scotland and No. 3-ranked Sweden.
Switzerland is making just its second World Cup appearance after making it back in 2015. Led by coach Inka Grings, Switzerland will heavily rely on the talents of Paris Saint-Germain striker Ramona Bachmann and FC Barcelona winger Ana-Maria Crnogorcevic.
In 2023, Switzerland also faced Poland, China, Iceland, Zambia and Morocco in exhibition matches.
Host New Zealand was off to a hot start in Group A after beating No. 12-ranked Norway, 1-0, in an upset. Hannah Wilkinson scored New Zealand’s lone goal in the 48th minute.
The Philippines’ matches in the Fifa Women’s World Cup will be televised locally through CignalTV via One Sports and through its app Pilipinas Live.
“This is an exciting development for football fans in the Philippines with the Filipinas’ matches in the Fifa Women’s World Cup to be shown live on free television and other platforms of Cignal TV,” said Philippine Football Federation president Mariano “Nonong” Araneta in an article at the official PFF website.
“Cignal stepped up and made sure that the Filipinas’ historic campaign will be available in the Philippines. This is not just a historic moment for the Filipinas but for the entire country and having a broadcaster ensures that we all enjoy the moment together.” (EKA)
FILIPINO pole vaulter EJ Obiena has risen to No. 2 in the world men’s pole vault rankings after a spectacular run of podium finishes in numerous tournaments this year, including the recent Asian Athletics Championships where he won the gold medal.
According to the latest rankings released by World Athletics last July 18, Obiena—who has already qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics—has 1,432 points and trails the top-ranked Armand Duplantis of Sweden who has 1,569 points. Obiena, though, is just four points clear of the third-ranked Christopher Nilsen of the United States.
The 27-year-old proudly announced his latest achievement on social media, saying: “Your very own skinny kid from Tondo, alumni of CKSC (Chiang Kai Shek College) and UST (University of Santo Tomas), is now WORLD NUMBER TWO.”
“Thank you to everyone who made this possible, and my deepest gratitude to those who went to war so that I could continue this dream,” Obiena’s post continued.
Obiena has been on a roll, setting a new tournament record in the Asian Athletics Championships, with a performance of 5.91 meters last July 16 in Bangkok, Thailand. He has also made it to the podium in all eight events he has competed in this year, surpassing the 5.80-meter mark in five of those meets. (JNP)
THE Crossfit-Subtero-2006 kicked off its campaign in Division B of the 26th Sacred Heart Ateneo Alumni Basketball Athletic Association (SHAABAA) basketball tournament in the most rousing of fashion, as it toppled the reigning champions, Cebu Landmasters-2003, 63-61, on July 19, 2023, at the Magis Eagles Arena in Mandaue City.
Batch 2006 turned it on in the fourth period as it uncorked a 13-4 run in the first five minutes to turn a 41-45 deficit into a 54-49 lead. But the battle-tested Batch 2003 refused to give in and tied the ballgame at 61-all with just 43.7 seconds to go after a floater by Justin Huang and two freethrows from Darylle Tan.
Batch 2003 even had a shot at retaking the lead after stopping 2006’s offensive but Huang lost control of the ball, leading to Luis Yu III driving the ball inside before dropping it to a wide-open Uriel Lim who made a layup to give 2006 a 63-61 lead with 16 seconds remaining.
Batch 2003 still had a shot at winning the game but its offense went awry, forcing Huang to shoot a tough triple that missed at the buzzer.
Mark Blanco and Luis Yu III had 13 points each for 2006, while Frank Dinsay added 11 points and 10 boards. Tan led 2003 with 15 points and 17 rebounds.
In the other Division B game, the Efficascent Boost-BRC-2010 defeated the Bigatin Trading-2008, 79-66.
It was a close game for the first three periods as 2010 entered the fourth ahead by just three, 57-54. However, it found its second wind in the final stretch to hack out the lopsided win.
Gabe Branzuela had 22 points, five boards, six assists and two steals for the winning side. Jasper Diaz also had a fantastic game with 18 points, 10 boards and four steals. (JNP)
HOME Sourced captured its fifth straight victory after defeating the Wipro Tigers, 66-55, in the Hoop Nation Inter-BPO basketball tournament on July 16, 2023, at the City Sports Club Cebu.
James Villafuerte shredded Wipro’s defense to the tune of 32 points, six rebounds and five steals, thwarting the double-double effort of Wipro’s Jam Ferraren, who tallied 26 points, 10 assists and five assists. Home Sourced now owns an immaculate 5-0 record while Wipro is at 0-1.
The Newfold Wolves also kept in step with the league-leaders, as it crushed the Techma Knights, 100-60. Dave Sabandon shone for the Wolves, registering 20 points, seven rebounds, three assists and four steals, as his team rose to 5-1 in the standings. Techma lost for the second game in a row and dropped to 0-2.
Cognizant also bested the Amazon Aces, 53-44, to snatch its first win. Jig Lascona fired in 23 points, five rebounds, four assists and three steals to hand the Aces its third loss in five matches. (JNP)
Statement by ECA Acting Executive Secretary Antonio Pedro
Session: General Debate
Theme: "Building momentum towards the 2023 SDG Summit: Transformation for accelerating implementation of the SDGs".
Venue: Trusteeship Council Chamber
IF you’re a food enthusiast who enjoys dining out, you’re in luck because Foodpanda is reintroducing its own Dine-in service, an exciting program that provides an elevated dine-in experience that gives you up to 25 percent off your total bill through the Foodpanda app. Dine-in was formally launched in 2021 to cater to the growing demand for dine-in experiences.
Here are a few Dine-in picks whether you’re in Manila, Cebu or Davao:
Cha Tuk Chak
Cha Tuk Chak has taken traditional Thai milk tea and given it a modern twist. Its menu boasts a variety of flavors, including classic Thai Milk Tea, Thai Pink Milk and Signature Milk Tea with Black & Honey Pearls.
Big Chill
If you’re a fan of fresh fruit beverages, you got Big Chill. It offers a wide range of smoothies and shakes made with 100 percent fruits and vegetables. From classic flavors of Mango and Banana to ice cream made of Coconut Milk, Big Chill has something for every fruit lover.
YOGOST
YOGOST is a haven for yogurt enthusiasts who crave guilt-free treats. Its Greek yogurt is made fresh daily with natural and premium ingredients, offering a tangy and refreshing taste. Customize your own cup with a variety of toppings, such as fresh fruits, seeds and nuts.
Chachago
Bubble tea lovers should not miss Chachago’s innovative take on this beloved beverage. Chachago offers a wide range of bubble tea flavors, including classics like Brown Sugar Pearl Milk Tea and Taro Milk Tea. You can customize your drink by adjusting the sweetness level and adding various toppings like boba pearls, pudding, or grass jelly.
Hebrews Shebrews
Beyond crafting the finest milk teas, Hebrews Shebrews’ heavenly concoctions include the irresistible Dark Chocolate Milk Tea and the tantalizing Wintermelon Milk Tea. Kickstart your week with their heavenly Coffee Series carefully crafted to awaken your spirit and energize your day.
Golden Sugar
Experience the essence of Taiwan through Golden Sugar’s signature drinks like Roasted Milk Tea, Crème Brûlée, and Matcha Milk Tea. Golden Sugar not only offers exquisite milk tea creations but also delectable sandwich pairings to elevate your experience.
Sulbing Dessert Café
If you’re looking for a cool and refreshing dessert, look no further than Sulbing Dessert Café. They specialize in Bingsu, a Korean shaved ice dessert topped with various sweet ingredients. From traditional flavors like Injeolmi and Patbingsu to modern twists like Mango Cheese Bingsu and Oreo Bingsu, Sulbing offers a wide range of options to satisfy your sweet cravings. / PR S
ST. Theresa’s College (STC) Cebu celebrates a milestone of 90 years of academic service. After the St. Theresa’s Alumnae Association (STAA) hosted a successful 90th Founding Anniversary on June 10, 2023, now it’s time for another splendid celebration.
Hosted by High School Batch 1998, in collaboration with STAA, the STC Grand Homecoming unfolds on July 29, Saturday at the STC chapel and auditorium. This year’s theme, “Far Or Near Our Song Rings True” is inspired off a line from the Theresian alma mater song, “St. Theresa, Hail To Thee.”
The Silver Jubilarian hosts have been committed and hard at work to put together a program that will surely dazzle, entertain, and even leave nary a dry eye in sight. Other jubilarians who will bring their own talents and zest to the stage will be the High School Batches 1958, 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993, 2003, and College Batches 1978 and 1998.
High School Batch 1998’s core group of organizers are looking forward to bringing all Theresian grand jubilarians together again, especially after a long hiatus from the yearly event brought about by the pandemic.
The organizing core group also would like to express their heartfelt thanks to the following sponsors: Roble Shipping, Prince Hypermarket, NY Buffalo Brads Hot Wings, Cebu Home and Builders Centre and Cebu Cable TV, who are all valuably helping them ensure that the STC Grand Homecoming 2023 will be a monumental and unforgettable experience for everybody celebrating it. (PR)
CEBU Governor Gwendolyn Garcia plans to expand the Minglanilla District Hospital (MDH) to turn it into a trauma center in the province.
The idea was discussed during a meeting between the governor and Capitol consultant Mary Jean Loreche, Board Member Stanley Caminero and other members of Loreche’s assessment team at the Capitol on Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
But in order to achieve this, the MDH must first submit the requirements to the Department of Health (DOH) to be accredited as a Level 1 hospital and ultimately a Level 2 hospital.
According to the information provided by the Cebu Provincial Information Office through Capitol’s online news portal Sugbo News, Garcia wants to convert the hospital into a trauma center for patients who have experienced traumatic injuries from accidents such as falls, motor vehicle collisions or gunshot wounds.
By doing this, fewer patients will be referred to hospitals in Cebu City for additional care.
A Level 1 hospital ought to have doctors that specialize in surgery, pediatrics and OB-GYN, among others.
It should also have the necessary tools for outpatient services and other emergency cases, isolation areas including operating and delivery rooms, and a secondary clinical laboratory.
In order to become a Level 2 hospital, a facility must add departmentalized clinical services such as the respiratory unit, general intensive care unit, high-risk pregnancy unit, neonatal intensive care unit, tertiary clinical laboratory, blood station and second level x-ray.
According to Jaime Bernadas, head of the DOH Central Visayas, the prerequisites must be completed in order to advance through the many hospital levels and eventually become a trauma center.
The infirmary’s capacity must be extended to 150 beds before the development can begin.
Garcia previously tasked Loreche to lead the inspection, assessment and recommendation of the necessary improvements in the four provincial hospitals and 12 district hospitals in the province.
Apart from the cleanliness and service of hospitals and infirmaries, the assessment also covers the staff members to determine how well-kept they are to take care of the patients. (ANV / TPT)
When legends pass, it only feels right to highlight the legacy that they left for generations to remember and be inspired by charisma and body of work.
Almost two months have passed since the world saw another legend pass away. This time, it was Rock and Roll legend, Tina Turner.
Given the title as the “Queen of Rock n’ Roll,” Tina Turner is not only known as one of entertainment’s most revered figures but she is a survivor who endured so much before her rise to stardom.
Born in 1939 as Anna Mae Bullock in Tennessee, Tina Turner showed indomitable spirit. From being separated from her own family, working as a domestic worker, picking cotton at a young age, and being on her own at a very young age.
She later was married to singer Ike Turner. The two formed a group called “Ike and Tina” but eventually disbanded shortly after their divorce. As a solo artist, Tina Turner thrived and produced some of her biggest hits like “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” “Proud Mary,” “Nutbush City Limits” and more.
However, life got quite patchy along the way. She was severely physically abused by her own husband for most of their marriage. After their divorce, Tina had to start all over again and climb her way to the top, and she did.
The Queen of Rock n’ Roll’s comeback after the split proved only to be a good decision as she became one of entertainment’s brightest and most influential stars. She went on to win countless awards: eight Grammy Awards, eight American Music Awards, a Kennedy Center Honoree, and was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
Tina wasn’t only well-known for her unique and distinct voice, but she really knew how to turn heads with some of the outfits that she wore. From the stage to the red carpet, she knew how to get everyone’s attention by dressing for the gods. A fashion trailblazer in her own right, Tina was often known and seen wearing mini bedazzled dresses and dangerously high splits. Showcasing her bold and intuitive approach towards fashion is what makes her an endearing figure in the world of fashion.
From her amazing outfits to her undeniable swagger, Tina Turner was a force to be reckoned with. Her roaring, raspy voice reverberates strong and loud in all of her songs, producing headbanging songs one after another throughout her illustrious career.
The world mourns the passing of Tina Turner, but her legacy as a performer will continue to inspire and impact generations to come.
Manila [Philippines], July 20 (ANI): Indian ambassador to the Philippines, Shambhu Kumaran, has discussed maritime preparation with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Manila here.
PCG Commandant Admiral Artemio M Abu welcomed the Indian Ambassador at the National Headquarters, Port Area, in Manila on Wednesday.
During the meeting, they discussed the PCG's collaboration with the Embassy of India in the Philippines on mari
On a day that started with tragedy, the Football Ferns triumphed.
Hannah Wilkinson scored to open the second half and New Zealand went on to upset Norway 1-0 on Thursday for its first-ever win at the Women's World Cup, hours after a shooting in downtown Auckland shocked the host nation.
A gunman stormed a high-rise construction site near Norway's team hotel and opened fire, killing two people. The gunman wa
AT LEAST 1.115 kilograms of suspected shabu worth P7.5 million were confiscated by the Drug Enforcement Unit of Sawang Calero Police Station 6 during a buy-bust in Block 7, Barangay Sawang Calero, Cebu City at 10:50 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19, 2023.
However, the suspect, 33-year-old Jake Merson Rafols Mercado alias Kano, a resident of the said place who works as a fish porter at Pasil Fish port, denied ownership of the contraband.
The raiding team bought P15,000 worth of illegal drugs from the suspect using a boodle money.
They immediately handcuffed Mercado as he was about to hand them over the drugs.
Three small packs and 11 medium packs of purported shabu were seized from the suspect, who is considered as a high value target.
Colonel Ireneo Dalogdog, head of the Cebu City Police Office (CCPO), said that aside from being a bigtime pusher, Kano is also a member of a gun for hire.
Mercado vehemently denied possessing the drugs when interviewed by SunStar Cebu.
He claimed that he was eating in a carenderia, when the police arrived, handcuffed him, and then the narcotics came to light.
He did, however, acknowledge that he was detained at Cebu City Jail in 2020 for using illegal drugs and that he was eventually released the following year.
He has since worked at the Pasil Fish Port as a porter.
He also denied belonging to a gun for hire group.(GPL, TPT)
The Philippine government is closely monitoring the threat of an invasion of Taiwan by China and preparing for possible contingencies, defense chief Gilbert Teodoro said on Thursday.
I am filing a civil damages lawsuit against Lorraine Badoy-Partosa and Jeffrey Celiz, two notorious redtaggers/terrorist labelers because they have incessantly and wantonly engaged in a vilification spree to demonize me and tar my good name and that of my organization, the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan).
My purpose is to exact accountability for their false, baseless and malicious public statements against me so that they will stop this pernicious practice not only against me and other social activists but for many more who they have categorized as “enemies of the state” because of their critical or oppositionist stance—artists, lawyers, doctors, human rights advocates, trade unionists, teachers, land reform and environment protection advocates, media practicioners and many more—to government policies or programs and crimes and abuses committed by persons in authority.
Why only now? I had previously chosen to ignore these two redtaggers’ scurrilous attacks against my integrity and non-stop diatribe masquerading as legitimate news and commentary. I thought that my unbesmirched reputation and clean track record as a social activist and leader of the progressive alliance, Bayan would be enough to prevail over their lies and attempts at character assassination.
Unfortunately, in the age of rampant disinformation on social media platforms, boosted by the budget of the National Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (NTF-ELCAC) in the billions as well as so-called media entities like the Sonshine Media Network International (SMNI) owned by one self-proclaimed “appointed son of God” Pastor Apollo Quiboloy, these lies repeated over and over seem to have become accepted as truth, at least by their unsuspecting followers and others who do not know me or of me. And my not taking any legal steps to defend myself and make these redtaggers accountable has been misconstrued by some as an indication of a weak defense, if not actual guilt.
Worse, not only myself, but the organization I lead as well as my son, journalist Alfonso Tomas “Atom” Araullo, have become the targets of their incessant redtagging/terrorist labelling.
I am acutely aware that redtagging of others has resulted in extrajudicial killings and massacres, enforced disappearance, baseless searches of offices and residences, arbitrary arrest and detention on trumped-up cases including the draconian Anti-terrorism Law and many other forms of human rights violations. I may be less vulnerable than those in the rural areas, or those who are not as well-known, but the threats to my security and well being are no less real.
Most important of all, I am filing these complaints in behalf of those who do not have the means, the opportunity and support system to do so but who are experiencing redtagging/terrorist labelling and the harassment, if not actual terror, this brings. I hope to encourage more of them to come forward and file their own complaints.
I have been told that it is about time these redtaggers are made accountable. That is what I hope this lawsuit—and others to follow—will accomplish.
Today, I yield my space to our readers.
A grandfather called me yesterday to complain against an alleged anomaly that is supposedly happening in the Cebu City Medical Center. Edwin B. Veloso claimed that a couple of weeks ago, they brought his grandchild to the Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) for an anti-tetanus shot after the child accidentally punctured himself with a needle.
He claimed that they had to wait long before their child could be attended to by a medical worker, only to be told by the latter that the CCMC had run out of tetanus vaccine. However, the CCMC employee allegedly told them that he has his own personal stock which the child could have for P1,000+. Finding the price prohibitive, Veloso said they left the hospital and brought the child to their barangay health center where he finally got injected with a vaccine that they bought from a drug store for a little more than P100.
He wondered how many patients and their families had been victimized into buying overpriced medicines from CCMC employees and why the practice is allowed in the city-owned-and-run medical facility. He urged the city government to immadiately look into the anomalous practice.
I wanted to call the only CCMC official I know for comment but remembered that only days ago, he was spotted in London with his family. But I expect Dr. Peter Mancao, whose loss in the Cebu City Council race last year I consider to be the worst mistake the Cebu City north district electorate ever made, to look into Veloso’s claim upon his return. This should not be considered an endorsement since not only are the elections still two years away, we are not even sure if he would run again. But Peter is a good man and I am certain that he will do the right thing.
Another reader wrote to say his attention was drawn to my colum “Like Singaporean” weeks ago. Aristides Llanos Archie said he visited Singapore again after 10 years last September and what he saw floored him.
“No city was more breathtaking,” he gushed even as he moaned that the dream for Cebu City to be Singapore-like may not happen during his lifetime. Maybe later, he said, but only if “we are determined as a community” to make it happen.
“That determination will, of course, start with tons and tons of discipline which sadly we Cebuanos do not possess,” the senior citizen said, citing the traffic situation, “culture of tourism” and environmental consciouness as areas that should be addressed.
“We can dream, yes but I may just hie off to Singapore every two years to be, feel, and live LIKE SINGAPOREAN.”
My former Political Science professor, Joseph Baduel also wrote. He recalled that at the beginning of President Rodrigo Duterte’s term six years ago, his men in Cebu “proudly proclaimed their big build build build infrastructure projects like the Metro Cebu Expressway, the North and South Coastal Roads, the Metro train, the Rapid Bus Transit and skyways, among others. Six years after, NOT one was started, much less finished.”
Their record in Cebu is zero, Baduel said, adding that “all they did was to inaugurate the Mactan-Cebu International Airport Terminal 2 building and the new third bridge and skyway to Cordova, which we all know were not their projects.”
He said he is crossing his fingers that President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., “after winning in Cebu by more than one million votes” would be “more concerned and responsive to Cebu’s needs.” We hope so, too.
Finally, from Clemence Maudet came a confirmation of how hot it is in Europe now. Vacationing in Greece, she said that she felt like “KFC chicken inside an oven.” Avoid getting fried by the sun, dearest Clem.
In another blow to lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) rights in Hungary, on July 13, the
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