By Herman M. Lagon (First of two parts) A pervasive epidemic has long infiltrated our government institutions, with “lagay” (bribe or grease money) and “palakasan” (favoritism, including nepotism, its subset) serving as the virulent pathogens. These unwelcome elements have transformed into a widespread contagion, deeply entrenched in public sector hiring practices, far outstaying their welcome. Sadly …
Monthly Archives: February 2024
Army: No more active guerrilla fronts in NegOcc
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga The Philippine Army’s 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) clarified that there are no more active guerrilla fronts in Negros Occidental. Lt. Colonel J-jay Javines, 3ID spokesperson, said the insurgents engaged in a series of encounters with government troops in Escalante City last week were only remnants of the guerrilla fronts. Meanwhile, Javines emphasized …
Bacolod City sees stabilized pork prices with entry of more supply
Prices of pork are expected to stabilize with the arrival of more supplies after the Bacolod City government lifted the ban on the entry of live pigs, pork and pork products over the weekend. Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said in a press conference yesterday that shipment of hogs from nearby provinces, particularly Bohol, is …
Siquijor to supply live hogs to Negros Oriental amid high pork prices
The provincial government of Siquijor will supply live hogs to Negros Oriental and help it recover from a perceived shortage of pork and pigs in the local markets. Jaymar Vilos, designated information officer of the Provincial Veterinary Office (PVO) of Negros Oriental, told the Philippine News Agency yesterday that the commitment made by Siquijor …
Truck runs over boy, 4
By Jen Baylon A four-year-old boy was killed after he was run over by a pickup truck beside the Burgos Public Market in Bacolod City’s Barangay 22 on Saturday night, February 24. Police Station 4 chief, Captain Francis Depasucat, said the boy was hit by a reversing vehicle. Depasucat said the 35-year-old driver may not have seen the child playing behind …
Sugar producers say increased farmgate prices ‘huge help’ to farmers
The United Sugar Producers Federation of the Philippines (Unifed), the country’s biggest independent sugar planters group, has welcomed the increase in the farmgate prices of sugar. In a statement yesterday, Unifed president Manuel Lamata said, “the P200 difference is a huge help to our farmers. It is great relief after a long slump in …
Remulla says ex-Rep. Teves’ passport ‘deemed canceled’
The passport of expelled Negros Oriental Representative Arnolfo Teves, Jr. is deemed canceled, according to Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla. Remulla stressed that Teves remains a fugitive and has never appeared before Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 51, where he is facing murder cases. “Therefore, he has no personality to even appear in court and …
Gilas manhandles Taipei in FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers
By ADRIAN STEWART CO Gilas Pilipinas cruised to a dominant 106-53 victory over Chinese-Taipei to perfect the first window of the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers at the PhilSports Arena in Pasig City on Sunday night, February 25. Justin Brownlee led the way with a double-double of 26 points and 13 rebounds to go …
UST stuns DLSU in UAAP volley tourney
By ADRIAN STEWART CO The University of Santo Tomas (UST) Golden Tigresses averted a massive collapse to pull off a 25-18, 25-23, 14-25, 16-25, 15-12 stunner against the De La Salle University (DLSU) Lady Spikers in the UAAP Season 86 women’s volleyball tournament at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on …
Gilas Youth’s Mahmood commits to UST Tigers
By ADRIAN STEWART CO Gilas Pilipinas Youth standout Zain Mahmood has committed to join the University of Santo Tomas (UST) Growling Tigers ahead of the UAAP Season 87 men’s basketball tournament later this year. According to a report by The Varsitarian, the Filipino-Canadian big man has agreed to join the squad of Growling Tigers …