News Briefs

EMB NEUTRAL IN CIUDAD PROJECT

“I’m like a bibingka (rice cake), fire from below, fire from above,” said EMB-7 Director Fernando Quilinan on the brewing conflict between Cebu south district Rep. Tomas Osmeña and Fifth Avenue Property Development, which is developing the Ciudad project.

The EMB-7 had deferred approval of the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) of the Ciudad project after Osmeña complained last month on the plan of the property developer to cut 322 trees of various species to give way for the project’s 2.4-hectare basement parking.

“The EMB-7 is not taking sides. We returned their ECC application after we found out changes in their plans from no-cutting to cutting of trees,” Quililan said.

On the Horizon’s 101 project of Taft Property Ventures and Development Corporation, Quililan said the  “satisfaction” of affected residents of the collapsed retaining wall at Horizons 101 is “good indication that the developer is performing their social responsibility.”

He, however, reserved comments on the notice of ECC violation he issued to the Horizon’s 101 developer pending results of the technical conference he called with the developer./Correspondent, Jessa CMJ Agua

CITY COUNCIL SESSION NOW LIVE STREAMING

Innovations introduced by City Councilor Roberto Cobarrubias is making the city council sessions available in cyberspace either through Skype or through www.cebucity.gov.ph.

Using his laptop and a video camera installed in the right-side ceiling of the session hall, Cobarubbias has been live streaming the council’s sessions in the last three weeks.

He is, however, asking the city council to buy two more cameras to provide better view of the session as the current setup only affords wide angle shots of the sessions.

The camera he wants installed would cost P60,000 each.

“Now the people can watch and learn what we are talking about where ever they are. There is no more need for them to go to city hall,” he said.

Cabarrubias said so far, only the Cebu City Council has its session on live streaming.

Cabarrubias said that with this innovation the city council make repeat the best council award which they won twice when now mayor Michael Rama was still vice mayor.

The council won the award when they still had their sessions recorded by Bee TV of Councilor Rodrigo Abellanosa and aired on cable television./Chief of Reporters Doris C. Bongcac

PROSECUTION WRAPPING UP CORDOVA CYBERSEX EVIDENCE

Cebu Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale said that the prosecution in the Cordova cybersex case is wrapping up presentation of evidence.

Magpale said that the prosecution will present next week Cris Harvey, an officer of the US Homeland Security. Harvey participated in the raid against the cybersex couple.

The five minor children of the suspects and their niece are now in the custody of the Dept. of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

The Cordova cybersex suspects are accused of qualified human trafficking, a non-bailable offense under the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 or RA 9208.

They are also facing criminal cases for violation of the Anti-Child Abuse Law (RA 7610) and  the Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009 (RA 9775).

Meanwhile, the human trafficking case against a Swedish man caught in the company of a 9-year old girl in the Cebu port last February will be filed in Masbate.

Magpale said that the evidences of the case are in Masbate that’s why they wanted to file it there. They were apprehended by authorities while waiting to board a boat for the Masbate.

The girl in the Swedish man’s company is now under the custody of the Cebu DSWD.

The suspect has been charged with child abuse but has been released after posting P320,000 bail.

Magpale said that they have filed before the Regional Trial Court branch 24 presided by Judge Oligario Sarmiento a hold departure order against the Swedish man.

The hearing was set last Monday after the first schedule of the hearing was rescheduled due to the request of the Swedish national to look for his counsel.

Magpale said that they are now waiting for the decision of the order. /Correspondent Carmel Loise Matus