Cebu’s biz sector hopes new mayor to prioritize EODB, e-Governance

CEBU CITY – The Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI) hopes for the new mayor to prioritize and fast-track implementation of Republic Act 11032, the Ease of Doing Business Act (EODB) and foster transformative e-governance to strengthen Cebu City’s position as a competitive and investor-friendly destination in the country.

In a Mayoral Forum hosted by the Chamber on May 2 and attended by over 100 representatives from various member companies, private individuals and associations with the presence of all five mayoral candidates for Cebu City, CCCI president Jay Yuvallos aspired for the new mayor to create a more modern, efficient and citizen-centric local government.

“A City government that is more accessible, transparent, and accountable.  Today’s gathering is an exciting opportunity to learn from one another as the next public service leaders for Cebu City, to expand the general perception of each candidate, his policy stances and general political knowledge, and most importantly to increase participation and accountability,” Yuvallos stated.

Insights at the Mayoral Forum

Yuvallos said that the forum was a rare opportunity to hear each candidate’s plans and programs to foster citizen participation as a key element of a good governance system where individuals are free to evaluate public decisions, processes, and actions.

 

Candidates Nestor Archival, Raymond Alvin Garcia, Michael Rama, ‘Yogi’ Filemon Ruiz, and Julieto Co shared their plans and vision for the city.  All candidates, except for Mr. Co who had to rest for a while, also answered questions on various topics relevant to enhancing Cebu City’s competitiveness.

Responding to the question on the implementation of R.A. 11032, the four candidates shared their action plans. Archival highlighted the inefficiencies in business permitting which include lengthy processes, complex requirements, and a lack of online accessibility.

Archival shared that to address this issue, he proposed a policy to release all permits within a single day, with provisional approvals granted for three months while businesses complete any remaining requirements.

He also proposed to have independent members in the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) and make procurement processes publicly accessible online to ensure greater accountability and transparency.

Garcia on his part, highlighted his initiative as a city councilor to extend business license validity from one year to two years.   He pointed to Cebu City’s ongoing digital transformation, noting that key offices like the Assessor’s Office, Business Licensing, and the Office of the Building Official now offer online and manual services.

Garcia also cited plans to maximize technology to ensure effective and efficient processes and foster transparency. He also shared plans to establish a dedicated procurement unit to streamline and professionalize the process.

Rama on the other hand, emphasized the importance of leadership and cultivating a results-driven culture within City Hall to improve business processes.  He believes effective governance starts with setting the right example.  Rama asserted that digital solutions and clean leadership—free from corruption—are key to a more efficient and business-friendly Cebu City.

Meanwhile, Ruiz drew from his experience as Customs Commissioner, highlighting how he fought corruption and improved efficiency by implementing e-governance and one-stop-shop systems. His approach focuses on minimizing human interaction to reduce discretion and eliminate corruption.

Ruiz proposes a digital system where document processing is merit-based and monitored, with a strict 10-working-day deadline for approval or disapproval—holding departments accountable for delays.

Julieto Co said he would increase cash assistance to senior citizens and PWDs if elected mayor. He also plans to improve health services by completing the Cebu City Medical Center and building a community hospital in Barangay Cantipla for one, as well as to address the garbage disposal and flooding problem, and stop corruption. 

 After the Mayoral Forum, Cebu’s business sector hoped that local government units in Cebu would continue to collaborate with the business sector to boost Cebu’s economy. Yuvallos shared that the Chamber has initiated alliances with the power sector, academe, and tourist stakeholders to promote Cebu as the premier investment and tourism hub in the country.

“I am confident that this forum we have today will inspire collaboration, foster innovation, and open new pathways for our businesses to thrive in an ever-changing global landscape,” Yuvallos concluded. (Photos: CCCI/Robby Alugar)

20 select SM Malls nationwide host COMELEC Mall Voting on May 12

CEBU CITY—The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in partnership with SM Supermalls rolled out the Mall Voting Program (MVP) in 20 select SM malls nationwide, bringing democracy closer to home—literally on May 12 with SM City Consolacion for Cebu mall voting venue.

According to COMELEC and SM Supermalls, eligible voters assigned to MVP locations can head to their designated SM mall to vote in a secure, accessible, and air-conditioned environment.  Whether you’re a busy parent, a working professional, or a senior citizen looking for comfort and ease, the MVP is designed to improve your voting experience,

Who Can Vote in the Mall?  Only voters whose precincts were officially transferred to a mall. This is indicated in the final list from COMELEC.  Check any of the following:  precinctfinder.comelec.gov.ph; Your Voter Information Sheet (VIS); Mall posters or tarps and Barangay caravans or your local COMELEC office.

Voting Hours at the Mall:  5:00 AM-7:00 AM — Priority: Seniors, PWDs, Pregnant voters and from 7:00 AM-7:00 PM — Regular voting hours.

Can I Bring Someone to Help Me Vote?  Yes, a relative (up to 4th degree) or Electoral Board member may assist.

Can My Companion Vote at the Mall Too?  Only if their precinct was also officially transferred to the same mall.  Here’s a list of the participating SM Supermalls where you can conveniently vote this coming May 12: SM City Manila, SM City North EDSA, SM City Fairview, SM City Sucat,  SM City Bicutan, SM City BF Parañaque, SM City East Ortigas, SM City Southmall, SM City Cauayan, SM City Baliwag, SM City Tarlac, SM City Batangas, SM City Santa Rosa, SM City Puerto Princesa, SM City Legazpi, SM City Iloilo, SM City Consolacion, SM CDO Uptown, SM CDO Downtown and SM City Butuan.

                                   SM Government Service Express (GSE)

This isn’t SM’s first time teaming up with government agencies. Through the SM Government Service Express (GSE), select SM malls already offer one-stop access to services like ID processing, permits, and more. The MVP is yet another way SM Supermalls is stepping up to serve the public in meaningful ways.

From Luzon to Mindanao, SM Supermalls open its doors, rent-free for the benefit of Filipino voters and COMELEC’s got the backend handled: trained election personnel, full compliance with electoral rules, and tight coordination for logistics and security.

Why mall voting works. The goal is for a smoother, more inclusive voting experience, especially for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), senior citizens, and pregnant voters. Think ramps, elevators, comfortable seating, and spacious voting areas—all in a familiar and accessible setting.

“We believe democracy should be inclusive, convenient, and secure.  By offering our malls as voting venues, we’re not just making it easier to vote—we’re helping empower every Filipino to make their voice heard,” shared Junias Eusebio, Vice President for Mall Operations at SM Supermalls.

For eligible mall voting, expect an official advisory from COMELEC about your assigned voting venue. Then, on May 12, head to your designated SM mall, bring a valid ID, and vote with ease.

Find your precinct number easily at precinctfinder.comelec.gov.ph.  For more info and real-time updates, visit www.smsupermalls.com or follow @smsupermalls on social media.

SM Supermalls' Government Service Express (GSE) makes essential government services more accessible to Filipinos by bringing key agencies together in select malls nationwide. This one-stop hub offers ID applications, renewals, business registrations, permits, and more—all within a safe and convenient mall environment.

Through strong partnerships with government agencies, SM Supermalls champions efficiency, inclusivity, and ease of access, redefining public service to better serve communities. (Photos: SM Supermalls/FB/Rosemarie Rodriguez)

COMELEC-7: All systems go for May 12 polls in Central Visayas

CEBU CITY— “All systems go” for the May 12 national and local elections said COMELEC-7 Election Assistant, John Raymund Ceniza, in a Kapihan sa PIA forum on May 7 at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA-7) here.

Ceniza bared that preparations for the upcoming election, especially on the readiness of the Election Commission Modules (ECMs) are 100 % ready with full transparency assured and the readiness of the Starlink’s reliability in remote areas.

He said that COMELEC has already completed the final testing and sealing of the ECMs; disseminated information about the electoral process to the public through the organization's website and social media pages; clarified and ensured that voting hours in all areas can start at 5 AM and ends at 7 PM on election day.

Ceniza also raised the concerns about the security of the election and the role of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the importance of centralized coordination and the involvement of national security agencies to ensure the smooth flow of the elections, the need for vigilance and the prevention of vote buying and selling.

Ceniza also emphasized the role of the media in disseminating accurate information and promoting public awareness and the forum concluded with COMELEC calling for continued collaboration and vigilance in ensuring a fair and secure election process this May 12.

The final electoral data for Central Visayas as of January 7, 2025 is at 4,389,344 registered voters with Cebu at 3,407,780 and Bohol at 981,564 registered voters in 27,098 estimated precincts. (Photos: MBCNewman)

PBBM joins One Cebu People’s Rally, endorses ‘Alyansa’ Senate slate & local candidates

DUMANJUG, Cebu – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. joined One Cebu People’s Rally on May 5 with Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia promising to deliver a full resounding endorsement of all 11 senatorial candidates from the Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas before the more than 4,000 crowd at the Dumanjug Sports Complex, Dumanjug town in Cebu.

“We are for unity, we are for progress because we are One Cebu, solid behind the duly elected president of the Republic of the Philippines who knows how to keep his words, who fulfills his promises—none other than President Ferdinand ‘BBM’ Marcos Jr.  This governor will remain steadfast and so will the entire leadership of this entire island in this united One Cebu,” said, in her opening message at the rally.

President Marcos and governor Garcia endorsed the following senatorial candidates-- Secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati Mayor Abby Binay, Sen. Ramon Bong Revilla, Sen. Pia Cayetano, former Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson, Sen. Lito Lapid, former Sen. Manny Pacquiao, former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, Senate Majority Leader Francis “Tol” Tolentino, ACT-CIS Rep. Erwin Tulfo, and Las Piñas City Rep. Camille Villar.

Garcia, who seeks a final term as governor, asked the crowd to vote for her too and to also support the Alyansa senatorial candidates. “The solid Cebu vote is equivalent to 3.4 million votes. Let’s show what unity can achieve,” she added.

PBBM lauds Garcia’s One Cebu party, asks support for ‘Alyansa’ candidates 

“Alam niyo po parang nakikita po ninyo na sa aking mga pinupuntahan ang isa sa probinsya na siguro mas madalas pa ako dito kaysa sa Ilocos Norte ay dito sa probinsya ng Cebu. Pero ang katotohanan ay dahil nakikita ko dito sa Cebu ang aming layunin para sa buong Pilipinas– iyon ang pagkakaisa,” President Marcos told a jampacked sports complex.

Marcos then lauded governor Garcia for leading Cebu and making it the fastest growing economy in Central Visayas, and whenever the national government plans to do some projects, these are not possible without the close coordination with the local government.

“I tell you, that of all the 82 provinces in the country, one of the best persons to discuss with new program rollout is governor Gwen and Cebu is always ready. You cannot get better political advice than from Gov. Gwen. Kaya nakita naman ninyo naibuo niya ang probinsya ng Cebu sa ilalim ng One Cebu,” Marcos said.

Marcos said that the effect of unity translated to the 97.1 percent unemployment rate of Central Visayas. It means that here in Cebu, only 2.9 percent of people are looking for jobs. In 2023, Cebu registered the highest recorded economic growth with 5.7 percent.

“At umangat ang Gross Domestic Product ng 5.7 percent, mas mataas pa sa paglaki ng ekonomiya ng Pilipinas. Kaya’t talagang nangunguna lagi – nangunguna lagi ang Cebu. Nakamit ng Region 7 ang 7.3 percent na pagtaas ng ekonomiya,” the president bared.

Cebu’s GDP increased from P388B in 2022 to P411B in 2023, Marcos added that the 2024 economic figures are certainly higher because under the helm of governor Garcia, she is able to rally everyone to unite and help as One Cebu.

The President added that Filipinos must understand that unity is still important for a strong and formidable nation. Thus, continuity of all the programs in his administration is important and governor Garcia plays a crucial role in putting allied senators in the Senate, with Cebu having 3.70M registered voters.

Marcos then presented and endorsed each member of the ‘Alyansa’ senatorial slate. “Ipagsama na lang natin para tayong lahat ay magkaisa, magtulungan, imbes na nag-aaway tayo.” Kaya’ naman po ‘yan ang aming pinili. Kaya naman po ‘yan ang aking hinaharap po sa inyo,” he added.

The One Cebu People’s Rally ended with PBBM raising the hands of the ‘Alyansa’ senatorial candidates present—Benhur Abalos, Bong Revilla, represented by his wife Cong. Lani Mercado; and finally, all the local candidates from governor Garcia down to the mayors affiliated with One Cebu party. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

 

 

Shawarma Gourmet brand partner of CONPC for 25% discount to active members

CEBU CITY – Shawarma Gourmet Restaurant at Escario Central, Cebu City is now a brand partner of the Cebu Online News Press Corps (CONPC) for a 25% discount to active members promoting the brand.

“Shawarma Gourmet is an authentic Lebanese Restaurant founded in 20213 with my Filipina-Cebuano wife in Dubai that offers authentic Lebanese and Turkish cuisine.  The first branch opened at Park Mall, Cebu in 2015 with a second branch following in 2017. During COVID-19, we focused on delivery, operating from 10 am to 1 am daily,” Chef Mansour Houran and owner of Shawarma Gourmet told this writer.

Ched Mansour bared that concerns of accessibility led them to depart the Industrial zone to relocate to the residentially populous, Cebu City at Escario Central Mall, redefining Shawarma Gourmet as a destination restaurant in Q3 of 2017.

Its decision to relocate gave Shawarma Gourmet brand a boon to be known and favored both by locals and tourists. Fast forward in the years 2019-2023, for five consecutive years, Shawarma Gourmet has consistently gained the Traveler's Choice Awardee with TRIPADVISOR and number four out of 757 restaurants in Cebu that made the restaurant part of the top 10% of the Restaurants in the world.  “It defies the threats of both Covid19 and Super Typhoon Odette,” Chef Mansour added.

In 2022, Shawarma Gourmet landed the local BEST SHAWARMA Award with SunStar Cebu and RECOMMENDED by Restaurant Guru a global online restaurant aggregator that helps find the best restaurants in many places around the globe, Chef Mansour bared.

 “We take pride in the quality of food that we serve and we value customer privacy as we cater to a mix of locals and expats. We have been serving Fresh Wholesome Goodness since 2015,” Chef Mansour smiled.

The Shawarma concepts and customer traffic

The concept of Shawarma Gourmet is a mix of Lebanese and Turkish cuisines, with a focus on authenticity.  The term "shawarma" comes from the Turkish word "döner," which means a vertical skewer of minced meat.

Shawarma’s cultural and regional variations is known by different names in various countries, such as "doner" in Germany and "gyros" in Greece while in the Philippines, it is sometimes called "kebab barbecue" by Filipinos.

Chef Mansour said, the products used in Shawarma Gourmet are mostly sourced locally, with some spices and ingredients imported.  Its menu is 99% original, with some minor adaptations to suit local tastes.

“There are challenges of introducing shawarma to the Filipino market, such as the strong garlic sauce and the inclusion of onions, parsley, and tomatoes.  To cater to local preferences, Shawarma Gourmet introduced a rice meal option and we also offer a salad with mango and cheese to blend Lebanese and Filipino flavors,” Chef Mansour said.

The restaurant has a mix of customers, including Arabs and Filipinos, with a significant number of regular customers, Chef Mansour added that during the COVID-19 lockdown, the restaurant focused on delivery services, partnering with Grab and offering in-house delivery options.

Shawarma Gourmet Restaurant is open from 10 am to 1 am daily, with a peak delivery time from 10 am to 1 pm and the restaurant maintains a culture of privacy, ensuring that customers, including celebrities, can enjoy their food without interruptions. 

                    Let’s dig in at Shawarma Gourmet’s food/meals

Chef Mansour told this writer that currently Shawarma Gourmet has two outlets—the restaurant at Escario Central and a kiosk at the food hall at the Nustar Mall.  The restaurant is a fine dining establishment while the kiosk offers a more casual dining experience.

A hotelier by profession, Chef Mansour developed a passion for food and has made small twists to the menu to appeal to local tastes. Here are a few descriptions from the food Shawarma Gourmet serves:

1.Vegetarian Platter—is a complete Vegetarian Meal, with hummus, Tabbouleh, java rice, Falafel.  Tabbouleh, a salad of Lebanese origin consisting chiefly of cracked wheat, tomatoes, parsley, mint, onions, lemon juice, and olive oil.

2.    Fattoush Salad -- is a Middle Eastern salad, often considered a "bread salad," that's popular in countries like Lebanon, Syria, and Israel. It features crispy pita bread, fresh vegetables (like tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce), herbs, and a tangy dressing, typically lemon juice and sumac.

3.  Chicken Shawarma Rice, served on white plate and Beef Shawarma Rice, served in take-out bowl.

4.   Manakish Pizza-- Chicken Shawarma Pizza. Pizza with Chicken, Fries and drizzled with   garlic sauce and Chef's Style Pizza; Half Labneh and Half Zatar.  Zatar is a Middle Eastern spice blend typically made with dried herbs like thyme, oregano, and marjoram, along with sumac, toasted sesame seeds, and salt while Labneh is Yoghurt cheese.

5.  Cheese Sambousek-- Empanada like stuffed with cheese and Chicken Musakhan--Spring rolls like, roasted chicken, caramelized onions seasoned with sumac.  Sumac is a versatile spice derived from the dried, ground berries of the sumac shrub. It's known for its tangy, lemony, and slightly tart flavor, making it a popular ingredient in Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisine. Sumac can be used as a seasoning, marinade, or garnish, adding a unique flavor and vibrant red-purple color to dishes.

6. Beef Sambousek - empanada like with darker color, light colored is cheese sambousek Kibbeh - empanada like with no design, almost shaped like camote, filled with beef and lamb, Dark brown colored pastry.

7.  Shawarma Bites Platter-- Beef Shawarma, Chicken Shawarma, Falafel, sliced into bite sized bits with Spiced Fries in the middle.

8.    Chicken Khabsa Tray-- a popular Arabian mixed rice dish, traditionally from Saudi Arabia or Yemen, often featuring meat and aromatic spices cooked together. It's known for its hearty, flavorful combination of rice and meat, and is considered a national dish of Saudi Arabia.

Julienne Eva Guanzon of New Star Phils describes the ambiance of Shawarma Gourmet as not just a food experience. Shawarma Gourmet gives you something deeper--connection. With every dish, you’re invited to slow down, to savor, to remember. It’s the kind of place where you stay longer than planned because the vibes are that good and the people treat you like family.  

"I left with a full stomach and a heart stretched across continents. The Middle East may be miles away, but that familiar warmth? I found it here,” Julienne added. (Photos: MBCNewman)

 

 

"Grossly misinformed", Gov. Garcia's reaction to Ombudsman's swift suspension order against her

CEBU CITY – Cebu governor Gwendolyn Garcia, in a press conference on May 3, described Ombudsman Samuel Martires’ media statement as “grossly misinformed” referring to the act in question as quarrying, when it was desilting all along, as the basis of the Ombudsman 6-month preventive suspension order against Garcia.

It can be recalled that Rappler, in its April 29 report quoted Ombudsman Martires as saying, “Remember Chocolate Hills in Bohol? This case is worse! Doon sa Chocolate Hills, naglagay ng resort pero hindi ganun ka extensive ang damage… ito quarrying. It destroys everything, tapos sa protected area pa.”

This triggered an alarming reaction from governor Garcia that Ombudsman’s swift action to issue a preventive suspension against her was apparently a mis-appreciation of certain facts.  Garcia said, the Ombudsman would have been more enlightened if he had carefully even just read the special permit that was attached to the complaint.

“It is not quarrying,” Gov. Gwen said in response to this statement by the Ombudsman. “I really stretched my imagination trying to find some relevance, an iota of relevance at all between what happened to the Chocolate Hills of Bohol, where private resorts were allowed to be constructed there up and what happened in Manangan River, we were desilting in order to let precious water flow to the group and dam so that Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) could meet its commitments,” Garcia explained.

Garcia further said that in 2028, because of this massive horrendous quarrying, more than 100 lives were lost when that massive landslide happened right at the back of Cemex, or this cement plant that is fed by Apple land, which she had issued a cease and desist order, because they are now quarrying where communities are right under their MPs.

“The ombudsman, I believe, because he never gave me the opportunity to respond, has been grossly misinformed. That is his tragedy, not mine, because his statements in Rapper exposed how truly unenlightened, he was as regards the Mananga case,” Garcia stated.

Meanwhile, some sectors in Cebu expressed full support for governor Garcia. In a press statement from Sugbo News, Capitol’s official news website, Talisay City Mayor Samsam Gullas and Cebu City Mayor Raymond Garcia joined the inter-agency meetings, since the Mananga river passes through their respective jurisdictions.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR); Protected Area Management Board (PAMB); Environmental Management Bureau (EMB); Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB); and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) also provided expert advice to the Governor on how to best solve the problem.

It was decided then that desilting shall be carried out in order to free up the springs of water which could no longer flow because of heavy silt that have accumulated on the riverbed.

According to Atty. Rory Jon Sepulveda, the Governor’s legal counsel that the question on the existence of Environmental Compliance Certificates or ECCs is not a problem since both the Capitol and the Metro Cebu Water District (MCWD) have these. 

Since part of the river is covered by the Central Cebu Protected Landscape, it was PAMB that passed a resolution approving the de-siltation plan and authorizing the Governor to carry out the same, Sepulveda said.

Garcia said that an impending water and health crises were at looming at the time and that was the bigger crisis that must be addressed the soonest. “Innovative? Yes. Pioneering? Yes. Was it legal? Yes, because all concerned regulatory government agencies were on board and were always part of all decisions,” Garcia added.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cebu's 4th district needs an advocate for women, health/livelihood

CEBU CITY – The 4^th District of Cebu needs a board member that advocates for women, health and livelihood and putting Jenny Armamento at the 4th district means a choice for an empowered, healthy and prosperous future for Cebu.

BM Jenny is driven to create a comprehensive agenda that aims for women’s welfare, access to healthcare and a sustainable tourism and livelihood.  “Kabayihan”, “Kahimsug” and “Kabuhayan” are BM Jenny’s priority agenda when elected at the Provincial Board of Cebu. 

Kabayihan. BM Jenny is a firm believer in women empowerment so that all women are provided with education, livelihood, protection, and leadership. Her vision is easy: a district where each kababayhan is respected, safeguarded, and empowered.

Kahumsug. BM Jenny feels that health can never be a privilege but a right. This is the reason she supports the complete roll-out and augmentation of Benhur Health Card to provide free and accessible healthcare services to everyone, particularly families living in far-flung and island areas. From improved medical facilities to mobile health programs, she strives to make healthcare accessible just where people need it — from the mainland to the remotest islands.

Kabuhayan. Natural attractions abound in Santa Fe and the 4th District, which BM Jenny wants to make sustainable tourism that brings in income without degrading the environment. She has livelihood programs that empower local entrepreneurs, fisherfolk, artisans, and small businesses, building a more solid and resilient local economy.

"Our time is now. Through women's empowerment, accessible healthcare with Benhur Health Card, and prosperous livelihoods, we can create the future that we all desire,” BM Jenny announced.

This election, select a leader who hears, listens, and delivers. Select BM Jenny Armamento — for Kababayhan, Kahimsug, and Kabuhayan!