Cebu News Digest for Jan. 5, 2016: Fake nurse steals baby; Cebu City forced to re-enact budget after impasse; tension breaks out in talk between UP, fire victims

Here’s what you need to know this Tuesday morning, January 5, 2016:

Woman poses as nurse, abducts baby in Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center

A woman posing as a member of the staff of the Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center snatched two-day old Prince Nino Celadenia yesterday. Wearing hospital scrubs but with no identification, the woman was seen thrice in the hospital’s CCTV before leaving the hospital at 12:07 p.m.

Jonathan Celadenia, the 27-year-old father, said the suspect asked them whether their child had his anti-dengue shot already. The mother, Jayve, accompanied the woman to the laboratory area but stayed outside the door and two minutes later, the suspect was seen in another area of the hospital, alone with the baby.

The police are not sure of the motive in the abduction and doubts a syndicate is behind its as it is the first of its kind.

Read:

• Sun.Star Cebu: Baby stolen in Cebu hospital
• The Freeman: Child Snatched at VSMMC
• Cebu Daily News: Baby thief

 

Cebu City to use re-enacted budget for 2016

Due to an impasse in the passing of the 2016 budget, Acting Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella said they will operate with the 2015 budget as their guide so they can continue with daily operations.

In a 9-3 vote, the council approved the P6.7 billion budget for 2016, considerably lower than the P13.4 approved for last year. However, Labella said with 18 members of the Council, 10 votes are needed to approve the budget.

Read:

• Sun.Star Cebu: No 216 budget
• The Freeman: City to operate using 201 annual budget

Tension breaks out between UP, fire victims

Three dozen policemen had to be deployed to help diffuse tension between the University of the Philippines and the 530 fire victims of Sitio Avoacado, Lahug. UP Cebu dean Liza Corro asked for police assistance after the school tents were removed by Cebu City personnel last Sunday. The school is also planning to block the plan of the City to reblock the site.
Read:
Sun.Star Cebu: Tension aborts meeting about fire site, settlers
Cebu Daily News: Who will spend for relocation site: UP Cebu or City Hall

Other Cebu headlines

 

» Sun.Star Cebu: Business taxes to rise to P1.5B from P1B

 

» Sun.Star Cebu: Lapu-Lapu City Treasurer’s Office extend office hours

 

» Sun.Star Cebu: Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes vows transparency in last six months in office

 

» The Freeman: Priests told: no weddings, funeral mass during IEC closing event

 

» The Freeman: PB Member Sun Shimura wants re-bidding of controversial Capitol project

 

» Cebu Daily News: Capitol to vote after Sinulog on P250M equipment contract

 

» Cebu Daily News: Judge urges Cebu City to act on pedestrian safety near Qimonda IT Park where the courts are located

Cebu Business stories

» More businesses registered but lower capitalization in 2015, reports DTI

 

» Tourism, business stakeholders work on guidelines for Cebu’s brand

“The tourism core group of CCI will be introducing guidelines on the usage of brand. It will also encourage all stakeholders to use the brand.”
CCCI president Ma. Teresa Chan

 

» Going local keeps exporter relevant

“All export sectors, except electronics, are feeling the softening of the global market and while we wait for the global market recovery…we turn to our strong domestic market to cope with losses.”
Central Seafoods Inc. owner Nelson Bascones

 

» The Freeman: Sole proprietorships in Cebu hit 15-year high in 2015

 

» The Freeman: Attrition rate in BPO firms slowing down

 

» Cebu Daily News: Gaisano Vicsal ties up with South Korean bank

 

» Cebu, Lapu-Lapu City start processing business permits

 

Sports Headlines

» Sun.Star Cebu: Ex Cebu college stars face off in PBA semis

 

» Sun.Star Cebu: Cebuano eyes 270-kilometer journey by sea

 

» The Freeman: Pacquiao wants retired heavyweight in Bradley fight undercard

 

» Cebu Daily News: Pogoy to receive Pivotal Player award

 

» Cebu Daily News: Cebuano Gao to compete in PHL Amateur Open