By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson was designated acting Provincial Governor, as Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. left for Darwin, Australia yesterday.
Marañon issued Executive Order No. 17 leaving the province under Lacson’s leadership from May 8 to May 12, while he attends a weeklong mission in Australia to further boost business, tourism, and employment here.
Lacson said there is no need to issue any executive orders designating an acting vice governor due to the short period of time, but he would let the provincial board members to decide amongst themselves who will preside over their regular session scheduled on Wednesday.
Aside from business, Marañon is also expected to meet with Philippine Consulate General of the Northern Territory Januario Rivas and several investors to discuss a possible sea trade route between the city of Darwin and Bacolod City.
Marañon’s business delegation also includes Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Western Visayas regional governor and Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry chief executive officer Frank Carbon, 6th District Provincial Board Member Helen Zafra, and Provincial Agriculture head Atty. Japhet Masculino./WDJ