Hospital funds misused?

STATE auditors found deficiencies in the financial management of the Talisay District Hospital (TDH) that resulted in over P200,000 in unsettled disallowances and revenue losses.

The rest of the Commission on Audit (COA) 2009 report dwelt on technicalities, such as the use of “inconsistent” accounting methods, non-submission of monthly billing and other inappropriate practices in income recording.

Cebu, Talisay back anti-death campaign

THE cities of Cebu and Talisay are supporting the move to oppose death penalty.

The two cities yesterday made separate declarations to join the global campaign, dubbed "Cities for Life, Cities against Death Penalty," which supports the moratorium on executions and the abolition of death penalty. The Cebu City Government unveiled the City for Life marker, although officials have yet to decide whether to put it at the Plaza Independencia or at the Heritage monument in Barangay Parian.

‘Unconvinced’ Sanchez to file TRO vs. budget

Vice Gov. Gregorio Sanchez said he will file today a temporary restraining order (TRO) to block the passage of next year’s executive budget.

3 youths to run for SK’s top post

THREE youth leaders from different barangays in Cebu City will vie for the presidency of the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation (SKF) during its election today.

They are John Philip Po of Barangay Sto. Niño, Ivon Carl Samonte of Barangay Bulacao and Stephen Tapulado of Barangay San Roque.

Sun.Star columnist runner-up in Best Opinion in PopDev tilt

SUN.STAR Cebu columnist Juan L. Mercado has bagged the runner-up prize in the Best Opinion or Editorial Piece-Print and Online Category of the 6th Annual Population and Development (Popdev) Media Awards.

Mercado was recognized for his column “Three Inevitables” published on Sept. 27, 2009.

Pura willing to face ombud probe

A NATIONAL Bureau of Investigation (NBI) special investigator is willing to undergo a “lifestyle check” should the anti-graft office require it.

NBI 7 special agent Arnel Pura said whether he likes it or not, the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas can conduct a lifestyle check on him should the complaint against him gains ground.

Heritage commission unveils marker of Spanish-era church

THE National Heritage Commission of the Philippines turned over a historical marker to the centuries-old Our Lady of Pilar Church in the souther Cebu town of Sibonga.

“The marker (is a) reminder for the people that the church is part of a registry of national historical sites,” said Ambeth Ocampo, commission chairman.

Justice chief dares Lacson to surrender

MANILA -- Justice Secretary Leila De Lima welcomed Senator Panfilo Lacson’s break in silence Thursday but dared the fugitive lawmaker to surrender and face the legal processes.

Lacson, in a statement Thursday, said he will only surrender if "justice is rightly served or when I’m already dead.”

Reward sought for vice mayor’s killers

DAVAO CITY -- The task force handling the investigation on the killing of a Maguindanao vice mayor urged the government to put up a reward for any information that would lead the arrest of the suspects.

Education department ready for 'Tuloy ang Pasko'

THE Department of Education (DepEd) in Davao Region is all set for its yearly nationwide "Tuloy ang Pasko" program slated for next week.

Antonia Diaz, assistant school division superintendent of DepEd in Davao Region, said the program is their commitment to give gifts and make the students of depressed schools in far-flung areas happy this Christmas.

Dialogue turns out to be venue for propaganda

KIDAPAWAN CITY -- The six hours of supposed to be dialogue between an Army colonel and progressive groups in North Cotabato turned out to be an exchange of "propaganda," which to some participants was extremely tiresome and annoying.

The dialogue, called for by the committee on peace and order and human rights of the Provincial Board in North Cotabato, was aimed at shedding light on several human rights issues, including the use of government facilities as temporary outpost of soldiers assigned in Arakan, Antipas, Makilala, Tulunan, and Magpet, towns perceived by military as hotbeds of communist insurgency in Central Mindanao.

2 village watchmen die in Cotabato clash

KIDAPAWAN CITY -- Two village watchmen were killed after they exchanged fire with some 20 armed Moro rebels at the boundary of Pikit and Aleosan towns, both in North Cotabato, Thursday morning, officials said.

Two senators to create team to solve banana woes

TWO senators vowed to create a high-level assembly of government officials to study banana exporters' problem on the country's trade with Iran following a joint committee Senate hearing Thursday.

Lawmaker sees okay of Freedom of Information bill soon

THE author of the Freedom of Information (FOI) bill expressed confidence in the bill's passage during the 15th congress.

Davao mayor taps barangays in waste management

DAVAO City Mayor Sara Duterte on Thursday urged barangay councils to pass resolutions that provide sanctions on residents who do not throw their garbage in proper places.

9 accuse soldiers of human rights violations

NINE alleged victims of human rights violations (HRVs) filed a complaint Thursday before the Commission on Human Rights (CHR).

Urban poor alliance formed

AN ALLIANCE various housing and urban poor associations have been formed to protest the demolition of urban poor communities and to challenge the local government to give substantial support and social services to affected families.

'Akyat-bahay' man killed in shootout

A NOTORIOUS member of an "akyat-bahay gang" was shot dead in a shoot-out with arresting police officers on Magallanes street and Quirino Avenue, Davao City past midnight Wednesday.

6 men in killing of architect sued

SIX men are now facing charges for the death of an architect, Saturday.

Palace: Aquino not avoiding Lacson issue

MALACAÑANG dismissed insinuations that President Benigno Aquino III is trying to avoid the issue regarding fugitive Senator Panfilo Lacson.

Professor in rape case collared in Jeddah

ANGELES CITY -- A college professor who was accused of raping his student several times was reportedly arrested in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia last November 26.

Sun.Star learned that Arnel Atienza Ocampo, 50, married, a former professor of Holy Angel University (HAU) is now under the custody of Jeddah authorities.

DA’s help sought on rats' problem

CANDABA – Candaba town officials have asked the agriculture department's help in addressing the rat infestation in Mandili village that destroyed second crop palay seedlings two days ago.

Mayor Jerry Pelayo said he already submitted a report to the Department of Agriculture (DA) regional director regarding the extent of damage caused by the rat infestation.

Girl’s body found in Magalang town

MAGALANG --- A girl’s body was found at a rice field in Barangay San Ildefonso here on Tuesday, police said.

The victim, identified as Recsan Loneza Toledo, 16, a senior student of the Magalang National High School, is believed to be a victim of gang rape.

Housewife is first woman village chief

MINALIN -- For the first time in the history of barangay politics in this municipality, a simple housewife was given the mandate by her village mates to become the first ever woman barangay executive.

Louella Garcia, wife of three term San Francisco 1 Barangay chairman Jaime Garcia is the first ever elected barangay chairwoman not only of her village but the entire 15 barangays of Minalin as well.

Blood donation drive launched anew

STA. RITA –The Philippine National Red Cross-Angeles City Chapter and the Municipal Government here launched a series of blood donation drives in bid to promote the awareness of the importance of donating blood and its other health benefits.

Females dominate jobs in Clark

CLARK FREEPORT – Jobs inside the sprawling Clark Freeport is reportedly dominated by the female gender, the Clark Development Corporation (CDC) report stated.

Duman Fest to feature jobs fair, medical mission

STA. RITA — The Municipal Government here and the ArtiSta Rita Foundation Inc. have partnered for this year’s Duman Festival celebration.

New police recruits take oath

CAMP OLIVAS – Another batch of 651 Philippine National Police (PNP) recruits took their oath at the parade grounds of the Central Luzon Police Regional Office.

Brillante Mendoza film fest set

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO — SM City Pampanga will host the first ever Brillante Mendoza Film Festival on December 6 and 7 in a bid to give independent film enthusiasts and college students a rare chance to watch the winning works  of the internationally acclaimed Kapampangan director.

Palace hopes signing of 2011 budget this year

MALACANANG is optimistic that the proposed P1.645-trillion national budget for 2011 will be fully-processed and signed by President Benigno Aquino III before the year ends.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte on Thursday welcomed the approval of the 2011 national budget in the Senate Wednesday night.