Business Group Asks DOTC: 'Let seaworthy vessels sail' by Sunstar Cebu

A business chamber in Cebu asked the transportation department to lift the "wholesale suspension" of Superferry vessels that have passed seaworthiness tests, a move that will save the local economy from "untold losses".

In a letter to Department of Transportation and Communication Secretary Leandro Mendoza dated Sept. 8, 2009, the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) asked that vessels certified by the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) as seaworthy should be allowed to sail again.

CCCI Also Asks:

• Speedy and impartial probe of SuperFerry 9 sinking
• Joint responsibility for modernization and reform of shipping industry
• Strict law enforcement and close monitoring of compliance to regulations
• Adopting timelines in investigations

See full story by Sunstar Cebu.

Noynoy is LP Standard-Bearer: 'Will run, will fight' by Sunnex - Sunstar Cebu

Sen. Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III, exactly 40 days after the death of his mother, former President Corazon Aquino, declared yesterday, September 9, 2009, that he will run for president in next year's elections.

"Bayang Pilipinas, tatakbo po ako sa darating na halalan. Tinatanggap ko po ang hamon na mamuno sa labang ito at ipagpapatuloy ko po ang adhikain ng aking mga magulang (I will run for office in the next election. I accept the challenge to lead this fight and to pursue what my parents apired for)," Aquino said in a press conference at the Club Filipino in Greenhills, San Juan City.

See Full Story by Sun Star Cebu.

Employees Die in Septic Tank

excerpts from Sunstar Cebu: 2 die in septic tank
Page 1, Wednesday August 13, 2008

Two personnels of JCM Septic Manual Services died while draining a septic tank manually at house in Banilad, Cebu City. They suffocated while inside the septic tank and could no longer be revived. Cause of death is inhalation of hazardous methane and other gases while inside the tank.

JCM's truck pipe could not reach the bottom of the tank which had to require the 10 personnels of the septic tank draining service company to manually remove matter from the tank using pails. Only one person at a time can fit into the septic tank which left the workers helpless in rescue.

FULL STORY HERE.

Princess of the Stars Inquiry

excerpts from Sunstar Cebu Headline: Cuenco Asks for BMI Report
Page B12 Monday August 11, 2008

Rep. Antonio Cuenco will support he cancellation of Sulipicio Line's franchise if it is proven by the Board of Marine Inquiry (BMI) reports that there was indeed negligence on the part of the shipping line for the sinking of the passenger ship,Princess of the Stars, last June 21, 2008.

The BMI failed to promptly submit reports of such incident which was long due which raised speculations and doubts. Apparently, the reports has been done a month ago which raised the question as to why its results are not released yet.

FULL REPORT HERE.

Garwood Park Hotel Inc (GHPI) Bankruptcy Petition

excerpts from Sunstar Sunday, page A1 Aug 10,2008

Garwood Park Hotel Inc. (GPHI) took over Park Place Hotel at Fuente Osmena Circle when its lease expired in 2000. It stopped operations in March 2005 and declared insolvency. Employees alleged that it's not insolvency that brought Garwood Park Hotel Inc to close down but mismanagement of funds.

Despite its prime location, the GPHI's hotel closed down in less than 5 years. Apparently, it had high occupancy rates durign its operations.

A Regional Trial Court (RTC) judge dismissed the hotel's petition for bankruptcy due to its failure to show a lack of 'sufficient and necessary interest' in the insolvency case when GHPI did not point out to the court sheriff any assets which can be seized when garnishment was ordered in March 2005.

FULL STORY HERE