This is the roundup of stories that came out in local publications today, Feb. 18, 2016.
Operators hold meeting to discuss fare reduction.
THE drop in fuel prices has prompted two shipping lines to drop their fares, providing a relief to travelers. Metro Ferry Inc has lowered its fare from Cebu City to Lapu-Lapu to P13 from P14, while Lite Shipping Corp., which serves the Visayas, has reduced its fare by as much as 50 percent.
The Visayan Association of Ferry Boat and Coastwise Service Operators (Vafcso) will also meet to discuss fare reduction owing the drop in fuel prices.
We have agreed to reduce but as to how much, we still have to meet about that. Alex Cohon, Vafcso president.
Read: Ferry operators to meet to discuss fare reduction.
Landbank ignores Rama’s dare, gives Cebu City a break.
Instead of following Mayor Mike Rama’s advice to sue the City Council, Landbank has given Cebu City a six-month break. Cebu City was supposed to pay P180 million to Landbank this Saturday as part of its amortization for the South Road Properties loan. However, an impasse in the council has led to the failure of Cebu City to come up with a supplemental budget that would cover the payment.
Landbank extended the Feb. 20 deadline to Aug. 20, but whether the payment will be for the amortization or the entire P2.4 billion loan balance is still unsure.
Just wait. At least the news is there is no worry to be entertained because there is a deferment and I talked with (LBP president Gilda) Pico, who is so nice and immaculate. Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama.
Read:
Sun.Star Cebu: Landbank gives Cebu City six-month reprieve on SRP payment.
Cebu Daily News: Rama says City won’t incur penalties on SRP loan.
Freeman: Rama succeeds in asking Landbank for deferment of SRP loan payment.
Tom accuses Mike of making P900M ‘disappear’
Former Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmena wants City Hall to account for the proceeds of the fund-raising campaign for the Cebu City Medical Center started in 2013. The Piso Mo Hospital Ko campaign was started by Mayor Mike Rama, who reportedly raised P900 million after trips to the US.
Mr. Rama announced that he raised P900 million. Where is the money now? It’s gone. Former Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmena.
Read:
Freeman: Tom asks Mike: Where’s the P900 million for CCMC?
Sun.Star Cebu: City Hall should provide accounting for CCMC donations.
Other Cebu News:
Sun.Star Cebu: Residents fail to stop Capitol Site demolition.
Sun.Star Cebu: One Cebu gubernatorial candidate says Gov. Davide lacks foresight, cites incompetence in dealing with bridge traffic.
Sun.Star Cebu: Lawyer wants SC to stop BIR from collecting VAT on condominium dues.
Freeman: Rama wants seven cops accused of extortion fired.
Freeman: Sun Cellular gets 72-hour TRO, stops Apas cell site from being closed.
Freeman: Tomas says calling Cebu Binay Country is an insult to Cebuanos.
Cebu Daily News: Councilor wants hotel industry’s help in fighting human trafficking.
Cebu Daily News: Residents complain of lack of power, water in Mandaue relocation site.
Cebu Daily News: Contractor cites P390M projects before taking on bridge repair.
Cebu Business News:
Sun.Star Cebu: DTI warns of rising poultry prices due to El Nino.
Sun.Star Cebu: Agency lowers PHL’s GDP forecast for 2016.
Freeman: PAL sees Cebu as vital hub for $500 million expansion.
Freeman: Gaisano chain pays of P200M loan from IPO earnings.
Cebu Daily News: Exporters want PNP to ease restrictions on chemical imports.
Cebu Sports News:
Sun.Star Cebu: Cebu’s biggest football festival opens 13th season.
Freeman: Cebu team ready for Le Tour Filipinas debut.
Cebu Daily News: Phoenix opens PBA campaign with win over NLEX.
