This is the roundup of stories that came out in the local papers today, Feb. 19, 2016.
EIGHT-DIVISION world champion Manny Pacquiao has been dropped from the roster of endorsers by apparel giant Nike after his controversial statement on same-sex marriage. Pacquiao, who is running for the senate, said in a TV interview that animals are better than gays because they don’t engage in homosexual relationships. Pacquiao has since apologized but the damage has been done.
We find Manny Pacquiao’s comments abhorrent. Nike strongly opposes discrimination of any kind and has a long history of supporting and standing up for the rights of the LGBT community. We no longer have a relationship with Manny Pacquiao. Official statement of Nike.
Read:
Freeman: Pacquiao apologizes for comments on same-sex marriage.
Cebu Daily News: LGBT leader says Pacquiao can be sued for discrimination.
Bickering officials cause of delay.
DPWH secretary blamed politicians for the delay in the infrastructure projects in Cebu and urged voters to choose wisely during the May 9 elections. Speaking to reporters, Singson said whatever project one party wants, the rival party will oppose it, giving DPWH a hard time to implement a project.
Read:
Sun.Star Cebu: Vote visely and see your public-funded projects done.
Related: Freeman: Another delay hits bridge repair.
JVR asks 2 ex-mayors, 13 officials for refund.
TALISAY City mayor Johnny delos Reyes, is asking 13 former and current City Hall officials for a refund of the P29.4 million computerization project and purchase of fertilizers in 2005 that were both disallowed by the Commission audit. Among those asked to pay back Talisay City Hall is former City Mayor Eduardo Gullas (P8.5 million) and former mayor Socrates Fernandez, who will have to split the P20.9 million with nine department heads and two former employees.
If they will not send a reply after 15 days since they received the last demand letter, we will submit all the documents we gathered to the COA regional office. It will be up to COA Manila to decide on what do do with them. Talisay City mayor Johnny delos Reyes.
Read:
Cebu Daily News: JVR asks Soc, Gullas, 11 other officials to pay back P29.4M
Sun.Star Cebu: JVR gives Soc, Gullas 15 days to pay back P29.4M
Other Cebu News:
Sun.Star Cebu: Port congestion causes delay in unloading of 800,000 sacks of rice.
Sun.Star Cebu: Naga City loses police chief a week after hosting major meet.
Sun.Star Cebu: Mike Rama tells Tomas Osmena to shut up.
Freeman: Landbank sets conditions for deferment of SRP loan.
Freeman: Cebu City gives P10,000 to families displaced by demolition.
Freeman: Cops ask politicos, supporters to submit guns for safekeeping.
Cebu Daily News: City Hall sets aside P2.4 billion for SRP loan payment.
Cebu Daily News: Teen retracts statement vs. 7 cops; PRO 7 asks for help in probe vs. ‘hulidap’ policemen.
Cebu Daily News: PAL, Cebu Pacific won’t reduce fares despite drop in oil prices.
Cebu Business News.
Sun.Star Cebu: Cebu-based resort operator eyes expansion in Boracay.
Sun.Star Cebu: PH companies urged to get halal-certification for Asean expansion.
Freeman: DOT official wants traffic measures in place during summer tourist season.
Freeman: PDIC closes processing of insurance claims for Lapu-Lapu Rural Bank.
Cebu Daily News: DTI eyes 10 Negosyo Centers to boost MSMEs in Cebu Province.
Cebu Daily News: Super Metro opens new Hypermarket in Calbayog City.
Cebu Sports News.
Sun.Star Cebu: Lapu-Lapu chess whiz eyes stint in Asean tourney.
Freeman: CIT-U Wild Cats to hold two-day tryout for basketball team.
