This is the roundup of stories that came out in the local papers on Feb. 11, 2016.
44-year-old Mactan bridge faces collapse
DPWH warned that should the long-delayed repair of the Mandaue-Mactan bridge be postponed anew, the 44-year-old structure may collapse.
The repair was supposed to start last August but was postponed because of the Apec summit, Christmas season, Sinulog celebration and finally the International Eucharistic Conggres.
It’s possible that it will collapse because the support in the first bridge is so rusty, so we have to hasten the repair. DPWH spokesperson Marie Nillama.
Read:
Freeman: Japanese aid agency mulls bridge from Tayud to Mactan.
Cebu Daily News: Private sector, LGUs team up to solve traffic crisis in Mandaue-Mactan bridge.
Sun.Star Cebu: Officials eye two shifts to ease bridge traffic.
Related news:
Cebu Daily News: DPWH gives MCWD two days to come up with plan for pipes under Mandaue-Mactan bridge.
Sun.Star Cebu: DPWH employee dies after truck loses brake in Marcelo Fernan bridge.
Sun.Star Cebu: Metro traffic returns to normal a day after ‘Horrible Tuesday’
Freeman: Mandaue eyes truck corridor in lieu of truck ban.
P375M vs. P2.8B
The Cebu City council is at odds again regarding the suplemental budget. Some members asked the executive department to submit a supplemental budget for the P375 million payment for the South Road Properties, while some also asked a judge to deny a petition that would compel them to discuss the P2.8 billion supplemental budget proposed in 2015.
The P375M supplemental budget is supposed to cover the P188 million amortization the city needs to pay on Feb. 20 and Aug. 20.
There has never an instance when any local government unit has defaulted on its payment. Should this happen, all will be affected. The country’s risk rating may deteriorate. We certainly do not want to be the reason for this catastrophe. Cebu City Councilor Margot Osmena.
Read: Osmena blasts executive department’s omission of SRP payment in 2016 budget.
Poe reaches out to Cebuanos.
Presidential candidate Grace Poe admitted she lacks the support of local politicians for the 2016 presidential elections and concedes rivals Mar Roxas and Jejomar Binay have the upperhand. However, she is hopeful the influential Durano clan will back her bid.
Ace (Durano) is very amiable and intelligent. We are grateful to Congressman Durano. But when it comes to Bakud, any statement of support must comes from them. Sen. Grace Poe.
Read:
Sun.Star Cebu: Poe to certify as urgent anti-dynasty bill if elected as president.
Other Cebu News:
Sun.Star Cebu: SWU, CDU grads top PT license exam.
Sun.Star Cebu: Palma urges faithful to vote with their conscience during Ash Wednesday mass.
Sun.Star Cebu: Former decorated cop dies in shootout with cops.
Freeman: Welder dies after sawing off vintage bomb in attempt to look for diamond.
Freeman: Talisay City mayor lashes at council’s inaction on 2016 budget approval.
Cebu Daily News: Poe, Escudero secure ex-Toledo Mayor’s support.
Cebu Daily News: Dizon quits post after failing to secure support against Labella veto on demolition.
Business News:
Sun.Star Cebu: Stakeholders laud PNoy’s signing of Asean open skies policy.
Sun.Star Cebu: Tour operators see decline in business due to bridge traffic.
Freeman: PHL export falls for ninth straight month in December.
Freeman: Firm revises outlook on telecom sector.
Cebu Daily News: Congestion forces cancellation of some Mandaue-Mactan tours.
Sports News:
Sun.Star Cebu: Bohol keeps lead in official tally but unofficial count has Cebu City leading in Cviraa.
Freeman: Cebu City pulls away in Cviraa.
Cebu Daily News: Defending champion TNT beats Blackwater elite sans import.
