Monday, September 08, 2008 (Philippines)

Robbery suspects Garry Namanas (left) and security guard Rey Adlawan talk to reporters from the Cebu City Police Office stockade. (Sun.star photo/Arni Aclao) WITH preparations already underway for next year’s festivity, the Sinulog Foundation Inc. has appealed to the Commission on Audit (COA) to exempt it from the new guideline that bars the Cebu City Government from giving the organization financial assistance. COA Circular 2007-001 prohibits any local government unit (LGU) from giving aid to any nongovernment organization (NGO) whose incorporator, director, organizer or officer is related to any local official involved in the approval or release of government funds. The memorandum was supposedly meant to help prevent graft and corruption. [full story]