This is the roundup of top Cebu news stories today, July 26, 2016.
RIGHT TONE. Though it didn’t move people to tears as promised, the president’s first SONA was well received by local leaders.
Finally, mass transit in Cebu
President Rodrigo Duterte promised the traffic-suffering residents of Cebu and Davao will finally get a respite, promising a mass transit system will be realized in his term of office.
“ We shall pursue rail projects in Manila and the major key points in the country. I am not bragging; this is for real. Six years, this will get done. I assure because it is going to materialize. Rail projects like the Davao transit system, the Cebu transit system.” President Rodrigo Duterte.
“ We welcome that. I was very happy to hear that because he mentioned Mindanao first and I was hoping that he would also mention Cebu, which he did. He mentioned us. We can expect that we will not be forgotten.” Rep. Raul del Mar.
Read: Sun.Star Cebu: Duterte vows to put up mass transit systems in Cebu, Davao
SONA gets positive response in Cebu
President Rodrigo Duterte went beyond the projected 38-minute limit of his first State of the Nation Address, which had people laughing instead of moving them to tears as promised by Malacanang. However, the almost two-hour long speech was received well by local leaders and the local business community.
“I’m definitely glad that President Duterte said he will pursue a more equitable and more efficient tax system to foster investment and job creation. This will level the playing field with our Asean neighbors and foster global competitiveness. He also vowed to cut processing time for permits and licenses. We look forward to the realization of these plans.” Melanie Ng, president of the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
“He was really straightforward. He’s really coming out strong. Maybe he’s really the person we’ve been needing all this time…I’m just happy there were no more curses.” Cebu Vice Governor Agnes Magpale.
Read: Sun.Star Cebu: Local leaders happy with Duterte’s first SONA.
Cebu Daily News: Local politicos laud Duterte’s move to end vindictiveness.
Residents rescue baby dumped in Lapu-Lapu.
Residents rescued a newborn who was placed inside a box and abandoned in front of a sari-sari store in Barangay Pajo, Lapu-Lapu City.
“I didn’t notice at first because I was busy. My neighbor called my attention when he heard a noise.” Mussah Ustal, resident who rescued abandoned baby.
Read: Freeman: Cops to probe identity of mother of abandoned baby.
