Opinion 3/21/16 (Cebu, criticism, development, politics, election, Philippines)

By Anonymous

Philippine Star "Unleashing potential"
Cebu continues to boom, but like Metro Manila, it is seeing its growth momentum slowed down by one particular inadequacy: infrastructure. Arriving here on Saturday for the second of three presidential debates, it took me about an hour to reach the hotel adjacent to the University of the Philippines-Cebu from Mactan International Airport. It was before 4 p.m., not yet rush hour, but traffic was already crawling – a normal pace these days, according to the van driver. Several top Cebu-based businessmen have told me that they need more roads, more flyovers connecting the airport to various points, and better mass transportation including light rail and commuter trains to ease the worsening traffic. Maybe Ceboom can do this quicker than Metro Manila, without the usual accompanying corruption scandal or flip-flopping from one department secretary to the next. Cebu is in fact suffering from Metro Manila’s weak infrastructure. Many Manila-bound flights from Mactan, I was told, are delayed in departure by about an hour because of congestion at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. [full text]
Sun-Star Cebu "Who owns Cebu? Not anyone’s country but clans still rule"
THOSE who say that not one political clan owns Cebu are veteran politicians who had seen it before in the control of one or two clans: the Osmeñas and the Cuencos. Now, not one family dominates the entire province and its cities. But “dynasties,” or variations of the breed, rule different parts of Cebu as if it were a kingdom subdivided and parceled out: Duranos in the fifth district, Gullases in the first, Garcias in the third and the seventh, Radazas in Lapu-Lapu City, Osmeñas and Ramas in Cebu City. Vassals hold sub-territories and run their own version of single-clan “franchise.” But when did sole dominion of Cebu end? [full text]

Manila Bulletin "Correcting the wrongs"
The May 9 elections may just be the best opportunity to correct wrongs that have plagued Philippine society and remain in the subconscious of the Filipino. The victory of certain candidates for president could mean putting to rest “guilt feelings” or “historical sins” about or against certain segments of the Filipino national community.A win by Senator Grace Poe could correct the perceived flawed results of the 2004 presidential elections. A victory of Mayor Rodrigo Duterte should correct the long litany of sins committed against Mindanao – neglect, exploitation among others. It is not just changing imperial Manila with imperial Davao; with the Duterte promise of federalism, centers of imperialism will be replaced with regional centers of development.A victory for Vice President Jojo Binay would correct the line being pushed by his opponents and some of media –“prove your innocence.” [full text] 

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