This is the roundup of stories that came out in local papers today, June 17, 2016.
Rehab of damaged shoal to cost P92 million
Rehabilitation of the coral reefs damanged by the grounding of M/V Belle Rose will cost almost $2 million (or P92 million) and take up to 10 years. The estimate was given by environmental lawyer Benjamin Cabredo of Philippine Earth Justice, who also added the ship must be removed from the area immediately.
We have to lighten the vessel…we’re in a hurry because it wastes time and they still have to wait for weeks before the sea level rises. Benjamin Cabrido of Philippine Earth Justice Center.
Read: Freeman: Rehabilitation of Monad shoal to last 10 years, cost P92 million.
Cebu Daily News: Coast guard fears more damage if stranded vessel not remove immediately.
Sun.Star Cebu: NGO fears stranded vessel in Malapascua may break apart.
P140 wage increase.
Five labor groups in Region 7 filed a petition for wage increase before the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board. Dole 7 will now conduct review of the economic conditions if it warrants a wage increase, which the business sector opposes. The minimum wage in Metro Cebu is P353, and the last increase was granted last Oct. 10, 2015, at P13 per day.
We have the lowest inflation rate in years. Because we have low inflation rate, prices of basic commodities have not gone up. The increase should not be that big, if there’s a need. It is already too much and it will also kill the economy. Robert Go. Philippine Retailers Association-Cebu president.
Cebu Daily News: Business group says P140 increase will kill economy
Freeman: Labor groups file P140 wage increase
CCMC building permit hits a snag.
The building permit for the new Cebu City Medical Center, which is already under construction, won’t be issued unless ownership of the lot where the public hospital is built is resolved. The Office of the BUilding Official suspended the processing of the building permit of the 10-storey, P1.5 billion project due to ownership issues of the 4,000 square-meter lot.
It has a lot number but other details are not available. The subject lot is supposedly part of the road but it has been part of the footprint of the building. So we have to look into this. Acting OBO chief Josefa Ylanan.
Read: Sun.Star Cebu: Building permit for P1.5 billion CCMC hits a snag.
Freeman: CCMC building faces new problems.
