The people of Cebu are talking

1. Listen to those poor who have to use the South Bus Terminal daily and the burdens of having a bus station charge 5P to use and 2P for CR. They are ready for change in leadership to someone who understands. And how she can send 20 millions to Manila for charity but has none at home for the poor who must pay to use the South Bus Terminal (no where else in the world do they charge to use bus terminals and here its the poor that pay) and how she can spend millions in ads in Garcia Sunstar for her photos in tourism ads?  And how she has many relatives  as paid consultants?

–

2. Listen to the people in the streets to find how they have benefited in the last years with the present government? What can they see as accomplishments besides regular full page ads with the governors face in her relatives newspaper the Sunstar paid for with the Provincial money.

–

3. Listen to the hospital patients at the SAD STATE OF THE PROVINCIAL HOSPITALS WITH THREE PATIENTS TO A BED. Take a tour of VSMMC hospital.

–

4. Talk to property owners with their 100 percent increase in property taxes in the province and ask them where their money goes? No visible changes in province?

–

5. Ask the beach resorts all over the province about their worries about the Malapascua Islands loss of many resorts as the dictator closed them down as encroachment on the tide line.

–

6. Ask the people working in the capital what they think of the present governor and her hidden deals?

=

7. Ask the people who are being forced from their homes near the capital so she can have more rich land?

–

8. Ask the people what they feel about the Balili land purchase with 60 percent of the land underwater and who really got the money in the purchase?

–

9. Ask the people about the Convention Center and how they benefit and even having no hotels nearby to make it useful and how it is so far from everything to make it useful?  And how it cost 4 times the cost of similiar bigger buildings.

–

10. Ask the people in Lapulapu who want to reclaim their land on the sea so more industries can come in and many more jobs for the people to find the province is causing delays to get a part. Reclaimation.

11. And let us have peace in the province between the province and the city government of cebu as it is destroying us all.  CEBU Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal asked Capitol and Cebu City officials to be “mature” enough to resolve their differences.   We need change in leadership as the governor seems unable to compromise to allow both Cebu City and the Province to work together so development can occur everywhere!

–

You will hear the people asking for change if you listen and we want a change …please run for Governor and make the province progress!

AFTER repeatedly saying that a gubernatorial bid was not in his mind,
Tourism Secretary Ace Durano yesterday said he will listen to the people to help him decide his political career.

“If you are running for an elected office, (you listen to what the people
want) because they are the ones who set parameters, criteria and
qualifications for the officials,” he said.

“You have to know if you have what they are looking for,” he told reporters during a press conference at the Marco Polo Plaza yesterday. Durano said he will also consult his family, specifically his wife and father, on what to do but he himself will have the final say.

“I need my father’s wisdom since he has been in politics for quite a longer time,” he said, referring to Danao City Mayor Ramonito Durano.
Asked if he was getting the public pulse on his political path in 2010,
Durano said that he has been checking only the posts on his Facebook
account.

But he repeated his earlier statements that he will have his work with the Department of Tourism speak for his performance as a public servant.He wants to help the entire country and not just Cebu, he said.
“I am not after the position, but on unsa pa akong mabuhat (what I can still do),” he said.

Durano is being pushed to run for governor in 2010 by political critics of Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, who will seek a fresh term.
Among these critics are former senator John “Sonny” Osmeña and Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña.

Durano had said that the National People’s Coalition, of which he is a
member, has brought up the idea of him running for senator or governor.
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/ace-may-run-governor-after-all

CEBU CITY — Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano is being eyed as the opposition’s candidate for governor of Cebu.

But Durano, in an interview Friday, said the position of governor is not on his mind, adding that what he can do for the ticket of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC) takes precedence.

“Ang pagka gobernador wala sa akong huna-huna,” Durano said.

Still, former senator John Henry “Sonny” Osmeña believes things can still change and Durano can be convinced to serve the people in a “more direct way.”

Between a “lousy executive,” apparently referring to Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, and people from five of Cebu’s six districts wanting “to support change,” Osmeña believes Durano can be convinced to run.

“He (Durano) only said he will not run, for now,” Osmeña said.

The former senator and the incumbent tourism secretary were among the guests in Friday’s luncheon meeting among recipients of the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) awards.

The luncheon was hosted by lawyer Antonio Oposa, himself a TOYM awardee, and attended by people from several cause-oriented groups and environmental protection organizations.

Durano delivered a brief speech and called for “active citizenship,” making reference to how people are so involved in the management of their online accounts and in interacting with each other in social networking sites like Facebook, where they support or advocate certain causes.

“We need to migrate that active citizenship in the real world,” he said, adding that many have already done so and that they now serve as “inspirations.”

Political undertones

Asked afterwards if his speech on active citizenship had political undertones, he said he did not intend to.

“There are other means to active citizenship, through the profession or advocacies. One can be through governance but I don’t have to run for governor in order to do that,” he stressed.

Durano said his priority now is to support the ticket of the NPC, which he is a member of.

“I will be where I can help the most,” he said.

First choice

He said he was recently asked to take his oath before President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s party — Lakas-Kampi — but he declined, opting to stay with his own party, where presidentiables Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Loren Legarda also belong.

But Osmeña maintains that Durano remains his “first choice.”

In his speech, Osmeña addressed Durano as “Governor Ace Durano.”

“If he runs, we will give him our whole-hearted support,” Osmeña said, adding that discussions on the subject are already ongoing in the first, second, fourth and sixth districts.

“The fifth district is his own district,” Osmeña said.

He described the areas as representative of 81 percent of the province’s voting population.

“Where will Gwen get votes now?” he posed.

Propaganda

The senator stressed that the current administration in the province has done nothing for its people.

“It’s all propaganda. It is without substance. The governor said her successes are in the power and water sector. That’s not within her purview. Those belong to Cebeco and Lwua (Local Waterworks and Utilities Administration),” he said.

He said the governor should focus her attention on issues within her purview, such as health.

“But let us look at the condition of our district hospitals,” he said.  http://www3.sunstar.com.ph/print/46444

Read this article on the terrible shape of the provincial hospital

Nalzaro: Sad state of VSMMC

Aside from this, the district hospitals in the province are also not well-equipped, that is why some patients are still brought to VSMMC.

Actually, underprivileged people have no other recourse but to go to government hospitals. Most of us can no longer afford the high rates in private medical centers and the high prices of medicines. You can’t be admitted in a private hospital unless you put a deposit.

I think it’s high time that government gives priority to hospital services by giving health institutions enough money to improve their services. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/nalzaro-sad-state-vsmmc

Read this article how Gov Garcia can afford to give away 20 million to charity in Manila but in the South Bus Terminal Cebu she is charging the poorest of the poor 5 peso to enter the bus and 2 peso to use the CR. Cebu South Bus Terminal Disagreements

P50-million revenues expected from renovated Cebu terminal but forget the poor, just get the money

Balili property controversy and where did the money go?

Capitol, on the other hand, was shortchanged in the purchase of the now controversial Balili property in Tinaan, Naga. The transaction cost the Provincial Government almost P100 million.

A big part of the 25-hectare property is either underwater, a fishpond or a mangrove area. The authenticity of the titles is also questionable. How can titles be issued to a submerged land, which is considered part of public domain? http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/nalzaro-tomas-wiser-gwen

CICC controversy Saavedra asks Ombuds to probe Capitol anew

Cebu Provincial Capitol ups 2009 taxes but what projects did the Gov do for the province?

Request to freeze Cebu Provinicial real property tax rates junked 2009, double the peoples taxes but what to show for it?

Cebu Capitol plots Malapascua island’s ‘rescue’ (or destruction of the private resorts) controversy There are 48 resorts in the island.

Resort owners who are affected by the plan expressed disappointment.  Can you imagine if she enforced this destruction all around the island, most beach houses and resorts would disappear?Kurt Jensen told officials that they were acting in good faith. Before building their resorts, he said they went to the Municipal Government and asked about requirements.“We met all the requirements. We’re not the bad guys here, we followed all the rules. I don’t question your laws, but no one told me about it,” said Jensen.He showed officials a building permit from the Daanbantayan municipal engineer and a certification from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), documents he was made to believe were the only requirements.

But now, the Provincial Government will have a hand in the development of the island.Garcia said she already told Vice Governor Gregorio Sanchez Jr. and Daanbantayan Mayor Ma. Luisa Loot about her plan. Both agreed.

Faced with this reality, the Municipality of Daanbantayan is bent on implementing a 30-meter easement zone in the whole island. This means that most of the cottages of the 22 resorts along the beaches will have to go.
A resort owner lamented that they have been doing business in the island for 12 years now, and pointed out that many families are relying on them for livelihood.“When we start destroying the buildings because it is the law, it will bring bad image to the island because there will be no more resorts to go to,” she said. http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/net/2006/04/24/cebu.capitol.plots.malapascua.island.s.rescue..html

–

Let’s try some new leadership that builds up the province rather than tear it down.

THE influential Martinez clan may consider supporting Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano for governor in next year’s election following uconfirmed reports that it was endorsed by the Palace.

Former Bogo Mayor Celestino “Tining” Martinez III claimed that sources told him that Malacañang already gave the go signal for Durano to run for Cebu governor against incumbent Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia.

To date, he said he and his father, Bogo mayor Junie Martinez, have not yet chosen a candidate for governor.

He also said supporting Garcia’s re-election was another possibility.

“Having the Martinez and Durano camp together is something that needs a lot of thinking. That is something that has never happened before,” he said.

He said the Arroyo administration wanted local candidates to support their national candidates even if they had to go up against each other in the elections similar to the previous elections.

For example Martinez said Cebu 4th Dist. Rep. Benhur Salimbangon, a member of the Lakas-Kampi coalition, is the district coordinator of former president Joseph Estrada.

“It’s better if Salimbangon clearly identifies where his loyalties lie. I know for a fact that he won’t turn his back on Estrada,” said Martinez.

He also said that while Deputy Speaker Pablo Garcia pledged support for Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro, his children Governor Garcia and Rep. Pablo John Garcia of Cebu’s 3rd district appear not to share his sentiments.

Martinez, for his part, is bolting the Lakas NUCD political party to support the tandem of Senators Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III and Mar Roxas in the 2010 election.

Martinez said he is quitting the party because he no longer understands it.

He added that he will run as an independent congressional candidate for Cebu’s fourth district.

“The party no longer follows the ideology from where it was created for,” Martinez said.

He said he has grown tired of the infighting between Lakas and Kampi and added that he is even confused on whom to submit his resignation to.

“Being a member of the party, loyalty should not be to personalities but for what the party stands for,” Martinez said.

But he said he may join the Liberal party in support of the Aquino-Roxas tandem because he believed in their promise of change. http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/news/view/20090924-226700/Palace-to-support-Durano-on-run-for-Cebu-gov

CEBU CITY — Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero Saturday said he will fully support Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano if the latter runs for governor of Cebu.

As a member of the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC), Durano has two options, to run either for senator or governor, said Escudero.

“If he is good for the Province of Cebu, and if he is really needed to serve at the Cebu Provincial Capitol, then he has my full support. But the decision to run for senator or governor is a personal decision, so let’s wait for Durano to decide,” Escudero said.

Though a few Cebu City councilors met Saturday with Escudero, they said the Bando Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK) has not yet chosen who will be its presidential candidate.

Reports surfaced that Mayor Tomas Osmeña has commissioned a survey and that 51 percent favored Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.

Unlike Gilbert Teodoro, who left the NPC after President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo appointed him as defense secretary, Durano remains a member of the NPC.

Even if Teodoro is a nephew of NPC founder Eduardo “Danding” Cojuangco, Escudero is confident he has the support of the NPC chairman emeritus, who is currently chairman of San Miguel Corp.

While NPC is moving for a coalition with other political parties, Escudero said it also intends to put up a complete local slate in Cebu, from governor down to the last councilor.

With a good name and good track record, Durano has good prospects if he runs for governor, the senator added.

Escudero said he has started to talk with Rep. Eduardo R. Gullas (Cebu, 1st district) and Rep. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz (Cebu, 6th district) who are among the NPC originals to return to the party.

“They are really good leaders and they are achievers,” Escudero said of Gullas and Soon-Ruiz.

The other NPC originals in Cebu are former congressman Dr. Antonio Yapha and former Sen. John Osmeña. Yapha, who served as mayor of Pinamungahan town and congressman of Cebu’s third district for decades, is reportedly planning to run for Congress again. He lost when he ran for governor in 2007.

Escudero previously accompanied the first district congressman in a rally in Talisay City where he (Gullas) told the crowd that the senator could be a good president.

To avoid being misunderstood, Gullas issued a statement clarifying that he is still supporting the presidential bid of Sen. Manuel Villar.

Meanwhile, a few Cebu City officials said they have yet to hear the mayor confirm the reports he has ordered a survey to find out who among the presidential aspirants his allies prefer.

“I have no idea. Wala pa man mi nagpa-survey (We haven’t commissioned a survey yet),” said City Councilor Augustus Pe Jr., who is close to the mayor.

City Councilors Pe, Richard Osmeña and Jose Daluz III were among those who met with Escudero Saturday.

Osmeña is currently on a 10-day trip in the US for his regular medical checkup following the April surgery to remove his urinary bladder.

Aside from the checkup in Houston, Texas, the mayor will visit friends and will follow up on his proposal for the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center to offer its services at the South Road Properties.

Sen. Loren Legarda, who is also eyeing the presidency, is helping Osmeña in the plan.

City Council Ex-officio Member Eugenio Faelnar, Association of Barangay Councils president and also a lose friend of the mayor, likewise said he was not told about a survey being made.

Iyang sulti nako nga inigbalik unom kabook among pili-ang presidentiables (He told us that once he returns, we would have to pick from among six presidential aspirants),” Faelnar said.

City Councilor Sylvan Jakosalem, on the other hand, said there is no survey yet, but the party will resort to it to determine to whom they would ally themselves with in the May 2010 elections.

“That is certain to happen. Sigurado ko mahitabo na pero karon wala koy knowledge of any survey,” he said.

Osmeña had said he is supporting Sen. Manuel “Mar” Roxas II for president because he paved the way for the entry of call centers in Cebu.

But Roxas has since given way to Aquino, who declared he will run for president in next year’s elections, exactly 40 days after the death of his mother, former President Corazon Aquino.

Both officials of the Liberal Party, Aquino has named Roxas as his choice for a runningmate.

Aside from Roxas, Escudero and Legarda are also wooing Osmeña for his support.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/print/52076

City Mayor Tomas Osmeña has thrown his support behind Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano should the Cabinet member decide to run for mayor.

He told reporters that Cebu would truly be unified if Durano was elected governor in 2010.

Osmeña was reacting to reports that Durano may challenge the reelection bid of Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia in 2010.

The mayor, who is Garcia’s arch rival, said the governor never cooperated with Cebu City even if has been advocating for “One Cebu.”

“It is the dream of many Cebuanos in the province to see the city and the province work together. I can give my assurance that it is going to happen if Ace Durano will be governor and I can give a 100-percent assurance,” the mayor said.

Osmeña said both families did something Garcia had not – mended their disagreements.

He cited that during the administration of former president Ferdinand Marcos, the Osmeñas and Duranos had a rift. But both families patched things up recently.

“I initiated building the bridge and healing all the animosity of all the Osmeñas and Duranos. I was the first Osmeña to be welcome in Danao City Hall. I was so honored by that,” the mayor said.

He said he recognized that the Duranos had their own family feuds, but did not want to get involved in it because he gets along with all Durano family members.

“I enjoyed working with them and needless to say, if you really want to have One Cebu, then let Ace be the governor,” Osmeña said.

The mayor said he could work with Durano on any project. He said he may even lift the moratorium on developments in barangay Banilad and Talamban, where many province-owned properties are located.

City Hall earlier imposed the moratorium citing potential traffic problems of commercial developments were to rise in the Banilad-Talamban corridor.

The Cebu City government imposed the moratorium shortly after the provincial government pulled out of talks with the city government over a land-swap deal.

Osmeña said he wanted to persuade Durano to run for governor because he would “give a face to the opposition,” but the mayor admitted that he did not know how to assist the tourism secretary.

He advised Durano to run for governor instead of a seat in the Senate because the fight for the Senate was “too tight,” even if he was endorsed by the administration. http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/opinion/view/20090912-224841/Tomas-endorses-Ace-for-Cebu-governor

September 17, 2009 11:30 am

CEBU CITY, Sept. 17 – Cebu City Acting Mayor Michael Rama has expressed his support to a possible tandem of Tourism Secretary Joseph “Ace” Durano and Cebu City Councilor Hilario “Junjun” Davide III for governor and vice governor of Cebu in the 2010 elections.

Rama said he is seriously taking the side of Mayor Tomas Osmena in his endorsement of a Durano-Davide tandem.

However, Rama said that before he could issue any more statements for the two reluctant candidates, they must first state their interest to run.

Durano said he was surprised to learn of Osmena’s endorsement because they have never talked about it.

But he said his options are open on both local and national politics.

Rama said that the tandem could mark a significant step to realizing a real One Cebu.

Earlier, Mayor Osmena announced his plan to persuade Durano to run for governor, and promised a harmonious relationship between the City Government and Capitol if Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia is unseated.

Davide has expressed his interest if it meant to purposely unite the City and the Province.

–
Durano did not issue any statement on the matter.

Rama said that Osmena’s endorsement of Davide was well made since apart from his name and being the son and namesake of former Supreme Court chief justice, he has a good reputation as a legislator in Cebu City.

”Hard work will work his way up,” said Rama.

Bando Osmena Pundok Kauswagan will be conducting initial talks with Durano regarding the mayor’s endorsement. (PNA)

–

http://balita.ph/2009/09/17/cebu-city-vice-mayor-backs-mayors-push-for-durano-davide-tandem-in-2010-polls/