This is the roundup of top Cebu news stories today, June 27, 2016.
Tomas says Rama did nothing to solve traffic problem, seeks P7B to solve mess
Incoming Cebu City mayor Tomas Osmena wants P7 billion worth of projects to solve the traffic mess in Cebu City, which, according to the incoming Cebu City mayor, the administration of Mike Rama has ignored for six years. The projects, half of which will be flyovers and the other half underpasses, were identified by the Japan International Cooperation Agency for a report in 2015 yet.
“We’ll work on that kay wala’y nahimo si Rama sa iyang unom ka tuig (We’ll work on that because Michael Rama has done nothing in his six years as mayor). It will take a long time to cure the traffic problem but we will work on it.” Incoming Cebu City mayor Tomas Osmena.
Read: Sun.Star Cebu: Tomas to look for P7 billion to solve Cebu’s traffic problems.
Respect rule of law, groups ask Duterte administration
Fearing the incoming Duterte administration will have a bloody purge of suspected criminals, church and human right leaders in Cebu are hoping the tough-talking incoming president will respect the rule of law. Duterte, who visited Cebu for the second time last Saturday, reminded the church that not everything can be solved by praying; saying hunger sometimes drive people to thievery just to put food on the table.
“The president is, of course, forcefully emphasizing a point. But we trust that he will act according to the norms allowed by law. There is a saying also that prayer compliments work, but does not replace it, and work may find in prayer its right motivation.” Monsigor Joseph Tan, Cebu Archdiocese spokesperson.
“They say that Duterte is an executioner. It’s giving us a bad name. Really? They mention “executioner,” extra-judicial killing. But how about those prisons where they cooked shabu? What should be more shameful than me killing those sons of b…? What should be more shameful?” President-elect Rodrigo Duterte during visit to Cebu.
Read: Cebu Daily News: Church leaders hope tough-talking Duterte will respect rule of law.
HSBC says Philippines relatively safe from effects of Brexit
HSBC, one of the world’s largest UK-based bank, said the Philippines is in a strong position to withstand the effects of Brexit, saying the Philippines only has a .02 percent export exposure to the UK as represented in the gross domestic product.
“The trade exposure to the UK is minimal for most Asian economies, and risks to direct bank financing from UK financial institutions appears manageable.” HSBC Asian Economic Research co-head Frederic Neumann.
Read: Sun.Star Cebu: Fragile West means no export rebound for PHL.
