Cebu Updates

19/09/2025

Samot ang trapik. Samot ang baha.

19/09/2025

You may feel powerless in the face of injustice or spiritual darkness, but you can pray. You can stand in the gap, and like Abraham, your prayers may shape the unseen story.

Who are you standing in the gap for today? Whisper a prayer for them now.

| The Seventh-Day Adventist Church

19/09/2025

Talk of the Town | The state of tourism | Erwin dela Cerna | 09192025

19/09/2025

In an interview for his forthcoming biography, Pope Leo XIV spoke about his relationship with President Donald Trump.

Read more: https://cnn.it/47RmQne

Pope Leo XIV voiced concern over “some things” happening in the United States and revealed he turned down plans for an AI version of himself in his first major interview since his election.

19/09/2025

The League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) on Friday, Sept. 19, expressed its support for the President's directive restoring the practice of requiring local government units (LGUs) to formally accept completed projects made by the national government in their respective areas of responsibilities.

The League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) on Friday, Sept. 19, expressed its support for the President's directive restoring the practice of requiring local...

19/09/2025

Ingon mo trapik ang Cebu City, wala man lagi ni sila na-trapik sa BRT route?🫢😁

18/09/2025

CENTRAL Visayas remains one of the country’s fastest-growing regions, but officials warn that slowing foreign trade and falling investments could temper its momentum.

At the 2025 Philippine Economic Briefing in Cebu City on Thursday, Sept. 18, Department of Finance Secretary Ralph Recto and Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Undersecretary Carlos Bernardo Abad Santos said the region is “outpacing national averages” in growth, employment, and poverty reduction.

Growth and inclusive development

Recto reported that Central Visayas, led by Cebu Province, grew by 7.3 percent in 2023 and 2024 — the fastest among all 17 regions — with significant influence on the national economy. The growth figures included Negros Oriental and Siquijor, which were part of the region until June 13, 2024. On that date, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act (RA) 12000, reestablishing the Negros Island Region (NIR), comprised of Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental and Siquijor.

The finance chief called for translating this growth into tangible benefits.

“The numbers are promising, but people must feel it on the ground—better jobs, better wages, and better services,” he said.

Recto described Cebu as the “front and center” of the country’s growth story, saying it “has outgrown its role as a regional hub. It now stands as a national powerhouse that competes, creates, and connects the entire Philippines to the world.”

Economic drivers

Officials identified tourism, infrastructure and digitalization as the region’s main growth engines. Cebu accounts for 15 percent of the nation’s full-time IT-BPM workforce and serves as a strategic logistics hub, handling over 80 percent of the country’s shipping capacity.

Key developments include:

- AI tech academy: The Philippine Economic Zone Authority’s first, aimed at transforming 45 ecozones into advanced manufacturing and artificial intelligence hubs.

- Shipbuilding milestone: Home to the world’s first methanol-powered bulk carrier, built by Japanese shipbuilder Tsuneishi in Balamban, Cebu.

- Infrastructure upgrades: Cebu Bus Rapid Transit, Cebu International Container Port, Bohol-Panglao International Airport upgrade, and the planned Cebu-Mactan fourth bridge and coastal road to cut travel time to the airport.

By the numbers

Santos, for his part, laid out a snapshot of Central Visayas’ economic pulse, revealing a mix of progress and pressure points. Inflation remains within target, job quality is improving, and poverty has dropped significantly — yet foreign investments and trade are showing signs of strain.

The tourism sector is rebounding domestically, though international arrivals remain uneven.

Here's a breakdown of the region’s key indicators:

- Inflation: three percent in August, within target.

- Underemployment: Down to 6.5 percent, signaling better job quality.

- Unemployment: 6.1 percent.

- Poverty: Fell from 27.6 percent in 2021 to 17.3 percent in 2023; target is single digits by 2028.

- Investments: Foreign investments down 14.5 percent in the first half of 2025; local investments up 20.4 percent.

- Trade: Foreign trade down 10.7 percent due to weaker exports and imports. Japan remains top export market (shipbuilding products); China leads imports (semiconductor materials).

- Tourism: Domestic tourism at 98 percent of pre-pandemic levels; international arrivals unstable, with South Korean visitors down 30 percent in the second quarter (April-June).

Risks and outlook

Santos cited global uncertainties, agricultural shortfalls, and U.S. policy shifts as key risks. He said reforms in water security, green energy and social protection will continue, supported by the community-based monitoring system to ensure aid reaches “the right families at the right time.”

DEPDev projects inflation to stay within the two to four percent target, with exports possibly rebounding in fourth quarter (October-December) due to seasonal demand and new trade pacts such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans‑Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).

“Great work, Region 7. But our work is far from complete,” Santos said. “Central Visayas is firmly on the path to sustainable and inclusive development, propelled by an empowering and technology-driven economy with transparency and accountability.” (EHP)

CENTRAL Visayas remains one of the country’s fastest-growing regions, but officials warn that slowing foreign trade and falling investments could temper its mom

18/09/2025

PRIVATE sector employees and domestic workers are set to receive salary adjustments starting October 4, 2025, following the issuance of separate wage orders by the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board in Central Visayas (RTWPB 7).

In its Wage Order ROVII-26, the RTWPB 7 stated that the new minimum wage rates for private sector workers in Central Visayas will be P540 for cities and municipalities under Class A, and P500 for other cities and municipalities not covered under Class A.

Wage Order ROVII-DW_05, on the other hand, increases the monthly minimum wage of kasambahays (domestic workers) for the entire region to P7,000.

Part of Central Visayas are the provinces of Bohol, Cebu, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, as well as highly urbanized cities of Cebu, Lapu-Lapu, and Mandaue. (Anton Banal/SunStar Philippines)

PRIVATE sector employees and domestic workers are set to receive salary adjustments starting October 4, 2025, following the issuance of separate wage orders by

18/09/2025

A CORRUPTION watchdog has filed two complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman against officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Central Visayas and Western Visayas.

The group, Crimes and Corruption Watch International Inc. (CCWI), led by Dr. Carlomagno Batalla, claims that regional officials ignored rules requiring poor-performing contractors to be penalized or blacklisted.
Instead, the officials allegedly awarded them new projects, putting taxpayer money and the government’s flagship infrastructure program at risk.

The big question

Why are the officials from DPWH’s regional offices are facing corruption complaints over its handling of contractors, and what does it mean for public projects?

Case against DPWH 7

The first complaint, filed Sept. 3, 2025, involves the DPWH’s Central Visayas office.

Officials accused: Director Danilo Villa, Accountant IV Joan Cano, and unnamed members of the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC).

Allegations: CCWI said these officials awarded 2025 contracts to companies with unresolved delays from 2024. In its complaint, it argued that these contractors should have been penalized, not rewarded with new projects.

Named contractors: QM Builders, Ganzalado Enterprises, ZLREJ Trading and Construction Corp., Quirante Construction Corp., Cebu 7th TechnoChem Industries Inc., and WTG Construction & Development Corp.

The watchdog argued that by allowing firms with records of unfinished or delayed work to handle new projects, officials risk repeating the same problems: missed deadlines, added costs, and substandard quality in projects such as road widening, drainage improvements, and bridge repairs.

Case against DPWH 6

The second complaint targets DPWH Western Visayas officials and International Builders Corp. (IBC).

“Suspicious” projects: CCWI questioned the rehabilitation of Iloilo flood control project’s Section 2 and Section 3, each worth P41.65 million. Both were reported as completed just five days apart in August 2023 — an unusually fast turnaround for large-scale flood control work.

Contractor history: IBC had more than 20 recorded delays or slippages. Under procurement rules, such a record should have been grounds for suspension or blacklisting. Instead, IBC allegedly kept receiving contracts.

Admission of lapses: In their counter-affidavits, DPWH 6 officials admitted they did not suspend or blacklist IBC, a move that CCWI said amounts to gross negligence.

CCWI further asked the Ombudsman to use its subpoena powers to review DPWH’s Project and Contract Monitoring Application (PCMA), which contains official records of project performance and could confirm whether the contractors’ reported completions were accurate.

The complaint was already filed before the Ombudsman Central Office in Manila on May 21. At that time, the flood control issue had not yet surfaced; it only came out in August. According to Batalla, the case was later referred to the Ombudsman Visayas. Since their group was required to submit a verified position paper, they filed it in Cebu on Sept. 18.

Laws involved

CCWI claimed that the officials’ actions violated multiple laws:

Government Procurement Reform Act (Republic Act 9184): Requires agencies to check contractors’ past performance and bars them from awarding new contracts to underperformers.

Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act (RA 3019): Prohibits giving undue advantage to private parties at the expense of government funds.

Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials (RA 6713): Demands accountability and integrity from government employees.

The watchdog said that these are not minor technicalities. Allowing repeat offenders into the bidding process, it argued, undermines fairness and exposes taxpayers to financial loss.

Driving the watchdog’s cases

Impact on infrastructure projects: Poorly monitored contracts can mean roads that crack after a year, drainage systems that fail during floods, or bridges that remain unfinished long after deadlines. These failures not only waste public funds but also directly affect communities.

Government credibility: The Marcos administration has promoted its “Build Better More” program as a centerpiece of national development. Allegations of corruption and negligence within the implementing agency threaten to erode trust in that agenda.

Pattern of irregularities: With complaints filed against both Region 6 and Region 7, CCWI suggests these are not isolated cases but signs of systemic issues in how DPWH handles procurement and monitoring.

Public accountability: Watchdog chairman Dr. Carlomagno Batalla said filing cases is necessary because without citizen action, officials may continue unchecked. “If we don’t file the case, then who will? Should we just allow them to squander the people’s money?” he said.

What’s next

CCWI urged the Ombudsman to hold the officials administratively and criminally liable; perpetually disqualify them from public office; and blacklist the involved contractors from all future government projects.

The Ombudsman can either dismiss the complaints for lack of merit or launch full investigations that may lead to charges. Such cases often take months or years, but they can result in suspensions, dismissals, or even jail time for public officials found guilty.

The takeaway

The allegations in the complaints highlight how potential loopholes and alleged neglect in enforcing procurement laws could derail infrastructure programs. / CAV

A CORRUPTION watchdog has filed two complaints before the Office of the Ombudsman against officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Cen

18/09/2025

CEBU City officials have called for patience and understanding as drivers and daily commuters vented frustrations over the heavy traffic caused by the ongoing Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) test run.

The three-day test for the CBRT project began Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025, covering the Phase 1 route from Il Corso at the South Road Properties (SRP) to Cebu IT Park in Barangay Apas. The route passes through Package 1, which goes from the Cebu South Bus Terminal along N. Bacalso Ave. to the front of the Capitol building along Osmeña Blvd. It will end Friday, Sept. 19.

Ten Cibus units of Ceres Bus were deployed along the stretch.

For many motorists, the trial run only worsened congestion. Driver Pablito Jutahot said traffic had already been heavy before the project, but the test run has made it even worse.

Jutahot sympathized with students and commuters who were caught in the gridlock — some in tears as they worried about being late for exams. He also criticized the lack of advance announcements, saying commuters from other towns and cities in the province were particularly inconvenienced.

Another driver, Vergillo Clarisa, said the traffic lasted well into the evening, especially during rush hours. He doubted the project’s ability to improve the city’s traffic situation.

For students, the adjustments have been difficult. Rachelle Mae Ramirez, a college student from the town of San Fernando, southern Cebu, said she now needs to leave two hours earlier just to arrive in time for her classes.

She lamented that both the CBRT trial run and the implementation of the bus ban have created hardships for commuting students.

Motorcycle driver Jonasel Dayonot suggested implementing time schedules to allow private vehicles through the closed routes. He also expressed concern that traffic would worsen during the holiday season, when the volume of commuters typically doubles.

Amid these complaints, city officials called for patience and understanding.

“Long-term solution”

Councilor Winston Pepito, chairman of the Cebu City Council’s committee on transportation, said the frustrations might stem from short-term inconveniences rather than the project’s long-term goal.

“If they’re upset because they’re stuck in traffic while taking a traditional jeepney, then in the long run, they won’t face that problem once they start using the BRT,” Pepito said.

“And if they’re frustrated because they drive their own car to work despite the traffic, then that’s exactly why the BRT exists—to discourage private car use and reduce congestion,” he added.

Pepito admitted that information efforts were not enough, as the changes caught many people by surprise. He vowed to conduct his own information and education campaign to explain the project’s purpose and importance.

He also plans to file a resolution that will urge the National Government to fast-track the completion of Phases 2 and 3 of the CBRT.

He commended the Cebu City Transportation Office (CCTO) for handling traffic management during the dry run, saying the exercise was successful in identifying operational issues that need to be addressed.

“There may be some discomfort during the transition period, but success usually comes after sacrifices,” Pepito said, noting that alternative routes for motorists will be studied.

He added that if CBRT buses are moving freely while private vehicles are stuck in traffic, then the system is working as designed.

The full CBRT project, first proposed in the 1990s, has faced repeated delays but is now targeted for completion by next year, 2026. / CAV WITH BRYCE KEN ABELLON

CEBU City officials have called for patience and understanding as drivers and daily commuters vented frustrations over the heavy traffic caused by the ongoing C

18/09/2025

Patay ang magtiayon nga naglimpyo sa karsada sa Mandaue City sayo sa Huwebes, Septiyembre 18, 2025, dihang na-hit-and-run sa MC Briones Street, Highway Seno.

Ang mga biktima giila nga sila si Teonie Longos, 37, ug iyang asawa nga si Rosal, 39, mga lumulupyo sa Barangay Tipolo, Siyudad sa Mandaue.

Si Rosal usa ka city-paid Clean and Green personnel, samtang si Teonie kauban lang niya atol sa pagpanglimpyo sa kaadlawon.

Matod sa mga report, nanilhig ang magtiayon sa karsada alas 4 sa kaadlawon dihang gidasmagan sila sa usa ka Nissan Navara pickup truck.

Daling niresponde ang Mandaue City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office ug usa ka ambulansiya gikan sa Tipolo.

Si Teonie gideklarar nga patay sa ospital sa usa ka attending physician, samtang si Rosal gidala sa Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center diin siya nagpabilin sa kritikal nga kahimtang.

Matod sa mga saksi, kusog nga nipadagan ang drayber sa pickup pagkahuman sa pag­kabangga.

Pagka alas 6:44 sa buntag, ang inahan sa giingong drayber nitahan sa Mandaue City Police Office, apan ang nakadasmag wala mouban.

Ang kapulisan padayon sa ilang imbestigasyon ug nag-andam sa mga kaso batok sa suspek.

Gikompirmar sa mga opis­yal sa siyudad nga si Rosal lang ang opisyal nga Clean and Green worker, samtang si Teonie kauban niya sa panahon sa aksidente. / ABC

Patay ang magtiayon nga naglimpyo sa karsada sa Mandaue City sayo sa Huwebes, Septiyembre 18, 2025, dihang na-hit-and-run sa MC Briones Street, Highway Seno.Ang