By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Progressive Alliance of Capitol Employees (PACE), a union group for employees of Negros Occidental provincial government, ousted Renelo Lastierre as board chairman during a special board meeting yesterday morning.

At a press conference, Lastierre was replaced by Ruben Diamante as new PACE chairman after Board Member Joseph Ryan Cuadra moved to declare all board seats vacant.

However, Lastierre remains a PACE board member despite his removal.

Diamante said the board is elected by union members, but appointing officials of the executive board lies among its 11-member board of directors.

He clarified that the move is not connected to the controversy surrounding the recovery of two pistol bullets at the Negros Occidental Food Terminal Market recently.

Diamante said the general assembly and election of PACE directors is held every January./DGB, WDJ