The Iloilo City Council recently approved a P13.4 million supplemental budget, part of which will go to fund leave benefits for city employees. According to City Councilor Eduardo Peñaredondo, who chairs the Committee on Appropriations, the fund will also go towards maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE), the Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Fund (LDRRMF), …
Monthly Archives: September 2017
Amidst rancor from opposition, Pew Poll finds Duterte with 86% approval
“The Filipino public elected Duterte to the presidency because they wanted a tough guy… They wanted a guy who could impose order on the Philippines.” –Stephen Sackur, BBC With every news network broadcasting stories every day depicting senators standing behind a microphone condemning President Rodrigo Duterte’s war on illegal drugs, crying people draped over the …
The curse of Cain
The death of Leandro ‘Lenny’ Villa in 1991 at the hands of his so-called “brothers” in the Aquila Legis fraternity led to the enactment of RA 8049, the Anti-Hazing Law. However, the law itself did not prevent fraternities from continuing the practice of hazing. What prompts a person to pledge a fraternity? For some, it …
Three former aides accuse embattled cop of corruption, NPA aspirations
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Three former aides to Senior Police Officer 1 (SPO1) Joshua Barile, who currently faces charges of murder, weapons possession, and illegal drugs, yesterday released affidavits accusing the police officer of corruption, along with claims he planned to join the New People’s Army (NPA). Jerry Gepullan, Jimpaul Elizalde, and Roy …
Leonardia: Friday’s flooding was the worst in city history
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia, during a press conference yesterday, called the flooding that inundated the city last Friday the worst in city history. “There was never a time when flood waters were that high,” he said. “It was a surprise attack.” In regards to settlers living by riverbanks, where …
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga The head of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) investigation unit yesterday revealed the crime rate in Bacolod City has been on the decline over the past three years, a contrast to recent social media posts claiming the city is not safe. According to BCPO Investigation and Detective Management Unit …
Biron picks up support for 2019
Over the weekend, Iloilo fourth district Rep. Ferjenel ‘Ferj’ Biron received endorsements from legislators and mayors from his district, along with the second and fifth districts, as he is considering a possible gubernatorial run in 2019. Among those lending support included Ajuy Mayor Jett Rojas and Pavia Mayor Mike Gorriceta, who also represented his father, …
Acting Iloilo City Mayor to investigate allegations of ‘defective’ native chickens
By Paulo Loreto Lim In response to allegations native chickens delivered to beneficiaries of the Iloilo City Integrated Food Production Program were “defective,” Acting Mayor Jose Espinosa III called a meeting of relevant officials and issued orders to the Internal Audit Service (IAS) office and the City Agriculturist regarding the issue. “We have to …
Negros Occidental Vice Governor assures the province is safe amid tourism push
By Paulo Loreto Lim Negros Occidental Vice Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, while discussing plans on expanding the tourism industry in the province, insisted the province is safe. Amid the ongoing conflict in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur, brought about by the Islamic State-backed Maute group, alongside recent incidents in the province perpetrated by the …
Bacolod City to work with neighbors on flood early warning system –CDRRMO
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga In response to last Friday’s flooding, which forced hundreds of Bacolod City residents to flee their homes, City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) head Joemarie Vargas said the city plans on working with neighboring towns and cities on a flood early warning system. Vargas explained, by tapping the assistance …