This is the roundup of top news stories today, Feb. 23, 2016.
Rama turns down Tomas’ debate challenge.
SHORT of declaring himself a sure winner, Cebu City mayor Mike Rama says there’s no need for him to engage in a debate with rival Tomas Osmena, saying a debate is usually for presidential bets only.
“Don’t equate me with presidential (candidates) because in the presidential (elections), all of them are candidates for president. They have not become president. Me, I have become a mayor and this is my second term as a mayor. So, therefore dili ma pareha,” Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama
“I hope this happens, although I am doubtful. I am willing to go to any debate on five minutes’ notice. No notes, no preparation required. No questions are off limits. Full transparency.” former mayor Tomas Osmeña in a Facebook post.
READ:
- Cebu Daily News: Tomas hopes Rama will face him in debate
- The Freeman: Rama: Tomas already lost, why face him in debate?
UP Cebu to use different format in second presidential debate
Cebu City will host the next presidential debate on March 20 at the University of the Philippines Cebu and organizers promised a new format.
Organizers will also hold a voters’ education campaign at 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. before the debate, which will start at 5 p.m. Only 300 people will be allowed inside the Performance Arts Hall of UP Cebu but the area outside the venue can accomodate up to 1,500.
“It would be different here. Even the topics given by the Comelec are different, which will include Climate Change, education, women’s rights, and health, among others, are different from that in Cagayan de Oro City.” UP Cebu Dean Liza Corro.
READ:
- Sun.Star Cebu: Comelec eyes changes after first debate in Cagayan
- Freeman: Trillanes: Allow panel to ask questions during debate.
Winston eyes graft charges vs. Davide, Magpale
ONE Cebu gubernatorial candidate Winston Garcia is planning to file charges against Cebu Gov. Hilario Davide III and Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale for the alleged misuse of the Typhoon Yolanda funds. Garcia said the donation and relief goods were used for politicking as these were distributed in unaffected areas.
Davide denied the charges.
“Why should you listen to that Garcia? All he does is bark and bluff.” Gov. Hilario Davide III.
READ:
- Sun.Star Cebu: Garcia accuses gov, vice-gov of misusing Yolanda funds
- The Freeman: Garcia urges COA, Ombudsman to probe use of Yolanda funds.
Other Cebu news:
Sun.Star Cebu: 150 families lose home in Mandaue blaze
Sun.Star Cebu: Slain suspect’s kin accuses cops of shooting Oyao in cold blood
Sun.Star Cebu: CICC too unstable to be used as satellite check-in for MCIA
Sun.Star Cebu: Judge allows residents to re-build in UP lot
Freeman: Rama wants better coordination in demolitions
Cebu Daily News: PNP honors slain intelligence officer
Cebu Daily News: Capitol to grant retroactive increase to workers
Cebu Daily News: Ouano family dispel rumors on patriarch’s death, asks for prayers
Cebu Daily News: Sen. Trillanes vow to stop drug menace in Cebu in just six months
Cebu Business News.
Sun.Star Cebu: Business leaders want issues, not mud-slinging, in next presidential debate
The Freeman: Slow process derails world bank-funded rural development projects
The Freeman: Exporters urged to maintain online presence to retain competitive edge
Cebu Daily News: New group in Cebu hopes to fund local startups
Cebu Daily News: SM Prime Holdings reports 54 percent growth in 2015
Cebu Sports News
Sun.Star Cebu: Motor Ace Philippines puts up pro team to help athletes with potential
The Freeman: ERCO wins third straight men’s open crown in Thirsty Cup
Sun.Star Cebu: Undefeated Tepora hopes to break into world rankings
