This is the top new stories today, February 17, 2016.

One of the world’s best’
TRAFFIC may be the buzzword of Cebu residents these days, but a US-travel website has named Cebu as one of the top eight destinations in the world to backpack, a reminder to residents and visitors that there is more to the island than what can be seen in Metro Cebu.
Its pristine beaches, dive spots, famous lechon and historical sites make it one of the top destinations of the world.
Head to the central Visayan islands at the heart of the archipelago where long, skinny Cebu island is the perfect hub for exploring the surrounding beaches and volcanic jungles. National Geographic travel review.
READ:
‘Cebu is Binay Country;’ Garcias, Binays announce alliance
The alliance between the Garcias of Cebu and the Binays of Makati City is proof that Cebu is now “Binay Country,” says Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama. The two political clans announced their coalition during a general assembly at the Waterfront Hotel in Cebu City.
Vice President Jejomar Binay said he will set aside more infrastructure projects for Cebu if he is elected president in May.
One Cebu gubernatorial candidate Winston Garcia called on Cebuanos to vote candidates “who are proven to have delivered on their promises and not those who are only good in making promises.”
“We need real change, game-changers.” Winston Garcia
Rama said that it would be better for Cebu if both he and Garcia win this May.
READ
- Sun.Star Cebu: Binay, Garcia clans formally coalesce
- The Freeman: One Cebu supports Binay, UNA
- Cebu Daily News: UNA, One Cebu kick off Cebu campaign

Mike dares Landbank, sue Cebu City
Cebu City mayor has raised the ante in the supplemental budget wars by daring the Landbank of the Philippines to sue Cebu City if it fails to pay P2.4 billion balance for its loan for the South Road Properties.
The amount was supposed to be covered in the first supplemental budget–worth P2.8 billion–but the council failed to have it approved. Instead, a second supplemental budget that would cover the P375-million amortization was submitted by the majority bloc.
Send us the demand letter. The money is around. If we will not pay, let them sue the council. Don’t sue the mayor because the mayor is ready to pay. Cebu City Mayor Mike Rama.
READ
- Sun.Star Cebu: Rama dares Landbank to sue City Council over SRP loan
- The Freeman: Rama urges LBP to ask for P2.8 billion payment, not just P180M amortization
7 cops relieved for ‘hulidap’
SEVEN members of the Cebu City Police office were relieved from their posts after two suspected drug traders accused them of extortion.
The cops raided a drug den in Barangay Duljo-Fatima and caught three men but only 18-year-old Lito Paculanang was detained. Paculanang said he saw the policemen “negotiate” with the two and another person and they were later released.
We were brought to the CIB office. We were asked to choose which of us will be detained but then the two cousins did not want to spend their time in jail. Drug suspecit Lito Paculanang.
READ:
- Cebu Daily News: Tipster exposes P75,000 bribe to cops.
Other Cebu News:
Sun.Star Cebu: Top officials of San Fernando ignore Davide, Magpale during town visit.
Sun.Star Cebu: Police identify 32 towns in Central Visayas as election hot spots.
Freeman: Residents form barricade to stop Capitol Site demolition.
Freeman: MCWD offers fresh ideas to help hasten repair of Mactan-Mandaue bridge
Cebu Daily News: Candidates not required to take drug tests
Cebu Daily News: Groups lament candidates’ lack of focus for environment
Cebu Daily News: Senior citizen faces charge for pet dog’s bite
Cebu Business News:
Sun.Star Cebu: DOST sees PHL startups to grow to $2 billion in 2018
Sun.Star Cebu: Suzuki sees 10 to 15 percent growth in 2016
Freeman: Despite world-class facilities, medical tourism in Cebu fails to grow
Freeman: BSP urges banks to upgrade ATM security
Cebu Daily News: Local businesses adopt green practices
Cebu Daily News: Start up offers fast delivery services in Cebu
Cebu Sports News:
Sun.Star Cebu: Cebu’s biggest football festival opens 13th season
Freeman: 4 Americans complete Yawyan training