Rhea Gullas Cup unfolds with bigger and better sports for all
CEBU CITY, Philippines — One of Cebu’s longest-running annual multi-sports meet, the Rhea Gullas Cup, officially kicked off on Saturday, February 10, at the Enan Chiong Activity Center in the Naga City, Cebu. The annual meet formerly known as the Gullas Cup, which started in the 1970s, has gone bigger and grander with the addition.....»»
Gullas Cup Sports Tournament: Grander when it opens in January
TAGBILARAN City, Philippines — One of Cebu’s premier sports tournaments, the Cong. Rhea Gullas Cup Cebu First District Sports Tournament features more sports events for its 2024 staging. At least five sports disciplines will be featured in the annual sports event will unfold on January 27, 2023, at the Enan Chiong Activity Center in the.....»»
Marcos appoints acting MIAA chief
Airport operations expert Eric Jose Ines will serve as the MIAA’s acting chief and board member, replacing Cesar Chiong. .....»»
Saludar TKO’s Diaz, reclaims ABF title in Naga City
CEBU CITY, Philippines –Vic “Vicious” Saludar reclaimed the Asian Boxing Federation (ABF) minimumweight title by knocking out Francis Jay Diaz in the main event of the “Rumble in Naga II” fight card at the Enan Chiong Activity Center in Naga City, south Cebu on Saturday evening. The 33-year-old Saludar, who first won the ABF minimumweight.....»»
Saludar, Diaz pass weigh-in, eye vacant ABF minimumweight throne
CEBU CITY, Philippines— Boxing fans south of Cebu are in for a big treat as two-time world champion Vic “Vicious” Saludar and his foe, Francis Jay Diaz passed the official weigh-in on Friday, December 15. That officially greenlights their main event tussle in the “Rumble in Naga II” fight card at the Enan Chiong Activity Center.....»»
Cracks in Naga City barangay worry residents, mayor
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cracks found in a barangay in the City of Naga have prompted Mayor Valdemar Chiong to ask concerned agencies to inspect the area and to give the proper intervention to affected residents. The cracks were found in Barangay Cantao-an, a mountain barangay of the southern Cebu component city. Around 40 residents.....»»
MAP denies backing on dismissed MIAA chief
Management Association of the Philippines president, Atty. Benedicta Du-Baladad denied that her group aired its support to the dismissed Manila International Airport Authority, General Manager Cesar Chiong, and MIAA OIC assistant general manager Irene Montalbo, saying that the backing came from some of its members. Besides MAP, the Makati Business Club last week released a statement of support backing Chiong and Montalbo, questioning the decision of Ombudsman Samuel Martires. “Please note that this is not a MAP statement. Nowhere should the statement be attributed to MAP. This is a statement of individual businessmen and professionals who requested us to distribute it to the media,” Baladad told the Daily Tribune. Trabaho Partylist on Wednesday also hit business groups petition urging Ombudsman Martires to reverse the decision dismissing Chiong, stating that it is a clear interference with the independence and investigatory functions of the Ombudsman. “While the 1987 Constitution created the Ombudsman as ‘an independent constitutional body, unfettered by political influence and insulated it from the ebb and tide of political fortunes,’ here comes now a group of businessmen trying to erode the integrity of the office,” Trabaho Partylist Secretary General Atty. Juan Paolo Lorica said. “The decision dismissing Chiong and MIAA OIC assistant general manager Irene Montalbo is clearly supported by evidence. It is unfair for the business sector to even insinuate that the Ombudsman and the panel of investigators did not investigate and decide the case with utmost objectivity,” he added. Lorica pointed out that Martires’ record as Ombudsman has consistently shown he has maintained his independence and that he does not look into the political color of the respondents of the cases being decided by his office. “It must be recalled that Ombudsman Martires caused the withdrawal of the usurpation case that his predecessor has filed against President Noynoy Aquino. And just recently he dismissed from the service the Over-All Deputy Ombudsman for his involvement in the Pharmally case. The Ombudsman exacted justice for the Filipino people even as other government organs failed to do the same,” he said. The Trabaho Partylist Secretary General further stressed that what the business groups are asking is for the Ombudsman to favor Chiong. “Is Chiong the only citizen who can manage the airport efficiently and effectively? Is he the only citizen who is honest for which this government must lean on?” he asked. Last April 2023, Chiong and Montalbo were put on preventive suspension by the Ombudsman for Grave Abuse of Authority, Grave Misconduct, and Conduct Prejudicial to the Best Interest of the Service for reassigning 285 MIIA personnel despite the two officials’ temporary positions in the attached agency of the Department of Transportation. The post MAP denies backing on dismissed MIAA chief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Think tank confident with ombudsman on MIAA exec case
Policy ThinkTank Infrawatch PH yesterday expressed confidence that Ombudsman Samuel Martirez will not be persuaded by the petition of business groups seeking the reversal of the dismissal order against former Manila International Airport Authority general manager Cesar Chiong......»»
Trader groups back barred MIAA execs
Business groups are backing top officials of the Department of Transportation and the Manila International Airport Authority, or MIAA, after the Ombudsman ordered recently the termination of suspended general manager Cesar Chiong, and assistant general manager for finance and administration Irene Montalbo as a result of a complaint submitted by anonymous MIAA employees. A petition letter signed by nine groups vouched for Chiong and Montalbo as having “exhibited exemplary work as managers of the airport.” Among the signatories of the letter are the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals, Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc., Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines, Integrity Initiative Inc., Justice Reform Initiative, Makati Business Club, Philippine Hotel Owners Association and the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc. Positive changes cited It added that under Chiong’s watch, MIAA made “substantial positive changes that have helped result, amongst much else, in the collection of long-outstanding receivables that have helped achieve a robust cash balance of P15 billion.” MIAA also posted a profit of P1.9 billion in 2022, which was a turnaround from the combined losses of P3.6 billion in 2020 and 2021. “They have implemented the mission entrusted to them by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to improve the national international airport and upgrade it to global standards,” according to the manifesto. Chiong had stated that he exercised his management prerogative to streamline operations, reduce losses, and improve finances at the premiere airport. “Rotation of key personnel is a routine vital internal control procedure of management that is applied to improve efficiency and ensure integrity. And has been done in the past without any problem,” he explained. “Dismissing Mr. Chiong and Ms. Montalbo for implementing what is a normal management practice may discourage other officials from employing this important tool to improve efficiency and fight corruption. It may send the wrong message that instituting reforms in government is hazardous to one’s career,” the letter added. The post Trader groups back barred MIAA execs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Commuters’ group asks Makati Business Club to mind own business
A commuters' group on Sunday said business groups should mind their own business, instead of dipping their hands into the exclusive affairs of the Office of the Ombudsman. Atty. Ariel Inton, who heads the Lawyers for Commuters Safety and Protection, particularly chided the Makati Business Club (MBC) for criticizing the dismissal order by the Ombudsman leveled against officials of the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA). "The Makati Business Club has no personality to the case," Inton, a former official of the LTFRB, said. Inton was reacting to the MBC statement urging Ombudsman Samuel Martires to reconsider the dismissal of MIAA acting general manager Cesar Chiong and acting assistant general manager Irene Montalbo, who were accused of grave abuse of authority. The Office of the Ombudsman earlier this month ordered the two officials dismissed after ruling that they were guilty of grave misconduct and abuse of authority in ordering the reassignments of nearly 300 MIAA employees. Inton said it is Chiong and Montalbo who should be appealing to the Ombudsman by filing a motion for reconsideration on its decision, "rather than the MBC do the talking." Inton also rebuked Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista on how the latter handles the transport system (air, land, and sea) like "hinalong kalamay (mixed rice cake)", adding that the transport chief should have an "iron fist" for his subordinates to focus on their jobs. "As transport commuter advocates, we feel the pressure of his job. He (Bautista) should look to his subordinates to focus on their jobs," Inton said referring to how Bautista should run the DOTr. Critics find Bautista "too soft" in running the DOTr making the NAIA one of the worst airports in Asia, based on passengers' queueing experiences, according to data obtained by property management and hospitality company Casago. The DOTr, they said, should be run by those coming from the land transportation system, not like Bautista who came from the private sector. Inton's group recommended Thomas "Tim" Orbos who was once the general manager of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and Undersecretary for Road Transport and Infrastructure of the Department of Transportation under the Duterte administration; former Party-list Congressman Jonathan A. Dela Cruz and Jess Manalo (Angkla Party-list) as Bautista's possible replacements. Meanwhile, Presidential Adviser on Poverty Alleviation Secretary Larry Gadon said he stands by the decision of Martires in his ruling to dismiss former airport GM Chiong and former Procurement Service of the Department of Budget and Management (PS-DBM) head Lloyd Christopher Lao from service with perpetual disqualification from holding public office. "I know that OMB Martires is apolitical as his decisions are based on the merits, facts, and evidence and beyond personal biases," Gadon said. He emphasized that it should be noted that decisions on removing public officials are not based solely on criminal intent or the consequences of a criminal act. "It may be based also on incompetence or acts of omission the effect of which resulted in irreparable damage to the public and the government. So even if the official is not criminally charged nor proven guilty as yet, the official may still be removed for utter lack of competence or lack of responsibility and due diligence in performing his functions. More so if the acts or omissions have inflicted great damage to the public," the Malacañang official explained. "OMB Martires does not look at personalities but more on the issues and acts that are proven by mere preponderance of evidence," Gadon added. The post Commuters’ group asks Makati Business Club to mind own business appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Airport employees speak out
Cesar Chiong, general manager of the Manila International Airport Authority , was ordered suspended and then dismissed by the Office of the Ombudsman......»»
Cesar Chiong and his battle for reforms
It really is more fun in the Philippines, even for syndicates and scalawags or the many nameless government employees who are benefitting from a system of governance that is perennially broken. Tuloy ang ligaya!.....»»
Bong Go inspects infra project, aids indigents in Cebu
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go visited Naga City, Cebu on Wednesday, 12 July where he inspected the seawall project and government vehicles that he had advocated funding for as vice chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. He also aided indigent residents of the city. Go has consistently championed the need to support local governments in their efforts to develop and implement infrastructure projects and improve public service delivery for their constituents. Accompanied by local officials, including Congresswoman Rhea Gullas, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia, and Naga City Mayor Valdemar M. Chiong, Go toured the seawall project site, inspected the acquired vehicles, including an ambulance unit and other multipurpose vehicles, and engaged in discussions regarding other opportunities to further help the community. Go also led a relief operation at Barangay Poblacion tennis court. In his address, the senator reiterated the importance of cooperation between national and local government units in pursuing progress and development. He emphasized that progress could only be achieved through a united and collaborative effort, with local governments playing a crucial role in identifying and implementing projects that address the specific needs of their communities. “Nandito ako para magbayad sa utang na loob sa inyo, sa inyong suporta sa akin. Huwag kayong magpasalamat sa amin. Kami ang dapat na magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan n’yo kami ng pagkakataon na makapagserbisyo sa inyo. Mula sa puso ang aking pasasalamat sa inyong lahat. Maraming salamat talaga, salamat mga Bisaya,” said Go. “Tao lang rin kami na napapagod rin. Pero kapag nakikita namin kayong masaya nawawala ang aking pagod. Makatulong sa mga pasyente, makatulong sa mga kababayan nating mahihirap, makatulong sa mga proyekto na makakapag-unlad ng inyong syudad, at makapag-iwan ng kaunting ngiti sa panahon ng inyong pagdadalamhati. Masaya na rin ako ngayong araw na nakikita ko na nakangiti kayo,” he continued. Aside from the projects he inspected, Go also supported the construction of a slope protection structure in Brgy. Balirong, rehabilitation of a public market and several multipurpose buildings. On the same visit, Go helped around 2,000 struggling Cebuanos by providing grocery packs, vitamins, and masks. Meanwhile, select residents received shoes, shirts, mobile phones, watches, bicycles, and balls for basketball and volleyball. "Ilang beses ng pabalik balik dito sa atin probinsya (si Senator Bong Go) at ganun rin sa mga kalapit probinsya natin. (Talagang) pinapakita niya na hindi lang sa salita... Kung ano ang sasabihin nya gagawin nya. Yan si Senator Bong Go," Governor Garcia expressed. In line with his vision to provide a better healthcare system, Go, as chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, likewise highlighted the establishment of more Super Health Centers in the country, including the 19 centers that will be established in the province of Cebu. Super Health Centers offer database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine, which makes remote diagnosis and treatment of patients possible. Meanwhile, Go also encouraged those with health concerns and in need of medical assistance from the government to visit Malasakit Centers located at Vicente Sotto Memorial Medical Center (VSMMC), Cebu City Medical Center, and St. Anthony Mother & Child Hospital in Cebu City, Cebu Provincial Hospital in Carcar City, Lapu-Lapu City District Hospital, Eversley Childs Sanitarium and General Hospital in Mandaue City, and Talisay District Hospital in Talisay City. First established in Cebu in 2018, the Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop through which agencies such as DSWD, DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office assist indigent patients by bringing their hospital bills to the lowest amount possible. On the same day, Go was in Carcar City where he attended the groundbreaking of the city’s Super Health Center, checked the operations of the Malasakit Center at Cebu Provincial Hospital, and provided assistance to more than a thousand indigents. See more photos here: The post Bong Go inspects infra project, aids indigents in Cebu appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ombudsman suspends MIAA general manager
Manila International Airport Authority general manager Cesar Chiong has been suspended by the Office of the Ombudsman for alleged grave abuse of authority and misconduct......»»
CEB improves NAIA 3 customer service
Cebu Pacific on Monday said it has further improved its customer service at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 by introducing a number of initiatives. Among the moves adopted by CEB include using a designated gate for passengers who have completed online check-in, self-bag tag kiosks, a repack area, and a 24/7 help desk. CEB vice president for customer service operation Lei Apostol said that the airline’s top priority is to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers. “As demand for air travel picks up, we hope that these solutions will allow our customers to travel more conveniently and reach their destinations with ease,” she said. Manila International Airport Authority general manager Cesar Chiong lauded CEB’s initiatives to improve passenger experiences at NAIA 3. “We are always looking for ways to improve the travel experience for our passengers, and we are grateful to Cebu Pacific for their partnership in this effort,” he said. CEB advises its passengers to book their flights online by creating a MyCebuPacific account to get notifications about their upcoming trips, manage their bookings, and access their travel funds, among other features. It said online check-in is also available via the Cebu Pacific app and website, reducing passenger waiting time at the airport and allowing them to go straight to their assigned boarding gates. CEB flies to 35 domestic and 25 international destinations, spanning Asia, Australia and the Middle East. The post CEB improves NAIA 3 customer service appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NAIA terminals ready for Holy Week passenger influx
“We’re prepared.” This was the pronouncement made by Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) general manager Cesar Chiong, in connection with the expected influx of passengers at the premier NAIA Terminals this Holy Week. Chiong said that the ‘OPLAN Biyaheng Ayos: Semana Santa 2023’ has been activated as they anticipate 1.2 million passengers in the four […].....»»
NAIA Operations May Take Days to Normalize
Operations at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) in Manila are expected to normalize within the next three days following a power outage that disrupted the airport’s air traffic control system, causing hundreds of flight cancellations and delays, and over 50,000 individuals stranded in the Philippines’ flagship airport. According to Cesar M. Chiong, General Manager […].....»»
Manila airport chief replaced while cleaning old mess
Confusion reigned at Manila International Airport Wednesday, Oct. 26. News flashed at 10:30 a.m. that general manager Cesar Chiong, appointed only 100 days ago, had been replaced. But Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista’s spokesman denied it......»»
PDEA-7 files admin raps vs Naga barangay kagawad for sniffing shabu
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Central Visayas (PDEA-7) filed on Wednesday, Sept. 28, 2022, three administrative charges against Naga City barangay councilor Renante Chiong for using illegal drugs. Chiong was caught on cam last August 23 sniffing what authorities believed was shabu, the local term for methamphetamine hydrochloride. In a […] The post PDEA-7 files admin raps vs Naga barangay kagawad for sniffing shabu appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Former Naga City mayor now DOT Asec
CEBU CITY, Philippines – Another Sugbuanon has joined the national government under the Department of Tourism (DOT). Former Naga City Mayor, lawyer Kristine Vanessa Chiong-Genegobis, was recently appointed as Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns for DOT. The Naga City Government confirmed in a post on Tuesday, August 2 that Chiong recently took her oath as […] The post Former Naga City mayor now DOT Asec appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»