Good morning! SunStar continues its coverage of Cebu Archbishop-designate Alberto Uy, who will be installed as the 5th Archbishop of Cebu on September 30.

Earlier today, he led a tree-planting activity at the Archbishop’s Residence Compound in Cebu City, planting molave and narra seedlings. More activities have been lined up as Cebuanos welcome their new archbishop.

For more news and updates, visit www.sunstar.com.ph. | Photos by Juan Carlo de Vela

Here's a related story: https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/uy-set-to-helm-cebu-archdiocese

The Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (CBRT) pilot run, originally set for September 29, has been postponed to October after test runs revealed major traffic and infrastructure issues.

Mayor Nestor Archival cited lane reductions, missing safety markers, and the need for stricter traffic enforcement as key concerns that must be addressed before launch.

The CBRT aims to modernize Cebu City’s public transport with faster, high-capacity bus service along dedicated lanes.

Do you think Cebu City is ready for BRT? 🤔 More details here: https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/cbrt-pilot-launch-hits-traffic-snag

I've been ready for YEARS

Hello from Manila!

More photos and videos here: https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/in-photos-and-videos-cebu-welcomes-archbishop-designate-alberto-uy

Cebuanos, starting tomorrow, October 1, 2025, MCWD will raise water rates by 12% (second hike this year) and enforce stricter rules. Accounts can now be disconnected after just one missed payment. A household using 21 cubic meters will pay about P56 more monthly. Here's the link to the full article: https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/consumers-face-12-hike-in-water-bills-beginning-october-1

Aside from the MCWD water rate hike, motorists will also feel the pinch: CCLEX will enforce its full toll adjustment starting October 1, 2025. We have this story: https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/motorists-to-pay-higher-tolls-as-cclex-enforces-full-rate-hike-october-1

The Cebu Federation of Beat Journalists (CFBJ) strongly denounced the use of physical force and harassment against reporters covering the arrival and installation of Cebu Archbishop Alberto "Abet" Uy.

In a statement Tuesday, September 30, 2025, CFBJ said that members of the volunteer group Kabalikat 940 Metro Cebu Chapter harassed reporters who were covering the solemn event.

"Reporters have raised serious complaints of being forcefully shoved, struck with instruments, and subjected to harassment while performing their duties. Even more troubling were reports that some journalists had their photos taken and identification cards recorded, acts that clearly attempt to intimidate and silence the press," CFBJ said.

"What should have been a solemn and historic occasion for Cebu was tainted by the shameful treatment of media workers, including those affiliated with the Church," it added.

Cebu City police are looking into reports that a syndicate may be behind the rise of street beggars, after a van was reportedly spotted dropping off adults and children in different areas. Mayor Nestor Archival raised concerns that this practice could lead to road accidents. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/ccpo-to-probe-beggars-syndicate-in-cebu-city What’s your take? Have you noticed this happening in your neighborhood?

Here's CCPC's statement on the incident: https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/cebu-citizens-press-council-ccpc-statement-on-alleged-use-of-physical-force

A magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Cebu Tuesday night, September 30, 2025, sending people out of their houses, triggering a tsunami alert, and prompting local government officials to suspend next day’s classes in all public and private schools.


https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/m69-quake-strikes-cebu

Update on the death toll: https://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/61-dead-following-m69-earthquake-in-cebu

As of 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, October 1.

Cebu Province has been placed under state of calamity. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/cebu-province-now-under-state-of-calamity

For updates on the Cebu magnitude 6.9 earthquake, check this out: https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/live-updates-cebu-m69-earthquake

The City of Bogo in Cebu Province and nearby towns affected by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake are in need of bottled water, ready-to-eat food, antibiotics, and pain relievers. Power generators are also needed, especially since the power supply was disrupted during the earthquake. Donations can be dropped off at the Cebu Provincial Capitol, Cebu City Hall, and the Cebu City Public Library.\

Phivolcs clarifies: the 6.9-magnitude Cebu quake did not come from the Bogo Fault but from an offshore epicenter northeast of Bogo City. Its shallow depth (5 km) made the tremor stronger at the surface, causing severe damage. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/manila/strong-earthquake-in-cebu-not-due-to-bogo-fault-line-movement

About P2 billion worth of infrastructure (roads and bridges) was damaged in Cebu following the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Tuesday night, September 30, 2025.

DPWH Secretary Vince Dizon said repairs on the Bogo hospital will begin once it is declared safe after structural assessment.

"We will do the assessment fast para magamit na yung hospital as soon as possible. We will do it in one day," he said, adding that some patients, particularly those in critical condition, were transferred to hospitals in Cebu City.

Dizon also said road repairs are ongoing to ensure they remain passable. Watch this video interview with Dizon. More updates here: https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/live-updates-cebu-m69-earthquake

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. visited Bogo City, northern Cebu, on Thursday, October 2, 2025, to inspect areas damaged by the magnitude 6.9 earthquake.

As of 6 a.m. Thursday, the NDRRMC reported 72 fatalities. In northern Cebu, many residents continue to stay in makeshift tents and open fields as aftershocks persist, making homes and some evacuation centers unsafe.

For live updates: https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/live-updates-cebu-m69-earthquake

A Cebu-based employees’ group has filed a complaint before DOLE Central Visayas, citing alleged labor rights and safety violations by at least 10 outsourcing firms during the 6.9-magnitude quake. They are pushing for hazard pay, work-from-home setups, and stronger worker protections. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/cebu-bpo-staff-decries-safety-lapses

Look at how devastating the magnitude 6.9 earthquake was for Cebuanos when it struck on Tuesday night, September 30, 2025. https://www.sunstar.com.ph/videos/they-need-us

The number of deaths recorded from the magnitude 6.9 earthquake that struck Cebu has been adjusted to 68, according to the latest situational report of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) as of 6 p.m., Thursday, October 2, 2025.


https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/ndrrmc-lowers-fatality-count-to-68