This is the roundup of stories that came out in local publications today, August 8, 2016.
Rama denies coddling drug lords
After getting publicly named and shamed by President Rodrigo Duterte in a televised speech as one of the drug protectors, former Cebu City mayor Mike Rama denied the allegations in a press conference. Rama, who lost to Tomas Osmeña in last May’s elections, was flanked by his allies, friends and family in his press conference.
How could I have been a protector when, in the past years of being a mayor, two of my regional directors were removed? Four of my chiefs of police were removed. So how can I be protecting, if there is such a protector, when I did not have much control over the police? Former Cebu City mayor Mike Rama.
Sun.Star Cebu: VM Labella backs Rama
Freeman: Rama willing to submit himself to any agency to clear name
Tomas gloats, blasts Rama’s social media trolls
Though he is abroad for a medical checkup, Cebu City mayor Tomas Osmeña took to social media to take a dig at rival Mike Rama, who was named as one of the drug protectors by president Duterte.
And guess who he named? And Team Rama’s social media trolls kept trying to make it look like I was the drug protector? Cebu City mayor Tomas Osmena.
Read: Cebu Daily News: Tom gloats after rival Rama is included in Duterte list of protectors.
Ironman Cebu a big success
The fifth edition of the Cobra 70.3 Ironman went off without any major glitch as thousands of volunteers trooped to the streets to help ensure the success of the event.
Mas alegre karon, mas dali nahuman ang race kay mas paspas ang mga participants. Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza.
Read: Sun.Star Cebu: No major traffic congestion in Ironman.
Other Cebu News
➤ Cebu Daily News: Rama’s allies, family say former mayor is innocent.
➤ Sun.Star Cebu: PRO 7 head orders relief of cops mentioned in Duterte list of protectors
➤ Sun.Star Cebu: Wife not surprised with death of addict-husband
➤ Sun.Star Cebu: Naga offers P200,000 reward for arrest of top drug personalities.
➤ Sun.Star Cebu: Association of Barangay Councils back Cebu City police’s drive against drugs
➤ The Freeman: DILG 7 to wait for palace guidelines on action vs. gov’t officials included in drug list.
➤ Cebu Daily News: Santander relieved just a day after assuming new post.
➤ Cebu Daily News: Vice Mayor Fralz Sabalones cries mistaken identity, says Duterte may be referring to brother Franz Sabalones
➤ Cebu Daily News: Former IBP head dares president Duterte to go beyond shaming, prove allegations
➤ Sun.Star Cebu: Couple in drug trade shot in Asturias.
➤ Sun.Star Cebu: Farmers sees huge demand worldwide for cacao
➤ Sun.Star Cebu: Asturias, Pinamungajan, Aloguinsan get new school buildings from Capitol
➤ Freeman: Lapu-Lapu traffic chief now in stable condition, a day after getting shot
➤ Cebu Daily News: Cops rescue 16-year-old girl from 43-year-old Briton in Sta. Fe
Cebu Business News
➤ Sun.Star Cebu: Millenials are driving PH’s economic growth
➤ Sun.Star Cebu: Increased consumer spending to boost PH retail industry
➤ Cebu Daily News: Dino heads investors’ forum for Visayas
➤ The Freeman: Homegrown fashion company eyes global presence
Cebu Sports News
➤ Sun.Star Cebu: Defending champions retain titles in Cobra Ironman
➤ Sun.Star Cebu: Ironman execs laud organizers for excellent race
➤ Cebu Daily News: Winners say Ironman Cebu was best race ever
➤ Cebu Daily News: Vendors earn big in Ironman
