CICC no longer for sale

ACTING Cebu Gov. Agnes Magpale has dropped plans to sell the Cebu International Convention Center (CICC) after learning Cebu has been considered as venue for some activities of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (Apec) Leaders’ Summit in 2015.

Eddie O. Barrita

Small bites

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Among those expected to attend the Apec Summit is United States President Barack Obama.

See, the CICC can still be useful, aside from Rep. Tomas Osmena’s morbid idea of converting it into a funeral parlor for the rich.

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Cebu Capitol officials rushed construction of the CICC in 2006 so it can be used for the 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean) Summit in January 2007.

There’s no rush to repair CICC for the 2015 Apec Summit.

In fact there’s plenty of time to dress it up and make it look “world-class” for the heads of states and heads of governments coming from 21 economies in the Pacific Rim, including the United States.

Keep watch on how the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will deal with the planned P66-million repair of CICC.

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Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board 7 Director Ahmed Cuizon said Cebu will most likely host meetings of ministers and senior officials.

Trust the DPWH to make ways to beautify Cebu. But I’m sure decorative lampposts are off the list.

Cebu also has to deal with increasing traffic congestion in its streets and the road links between Mandaue and Lapu-Lapu.

As Magpale aptly mused, ”Will there be a third bridge by that time?”

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Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has rejected a ceasefire call by Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III, whose Islamic fighters launched a deadly incursion into Sabah.

“I told President Aquino they must lay down their arms immediately. They have to surrender their arms and they have to do it as soon as possible,” Najib said.

This is rather unfortunate. This is not a movie about the Spartan’s “300.” Kiram’s 300 have relatives.