By Dr. Joseph D. Lim Florida and Utah are the first American states to ban fluoride in public water systems. Fluoride was not specifically mentioned although “the use of certain additives in a water system” will be prohibited. Instead, “fluoride” was removed from Florida’s legal definition of acceptable “water quality additives.” State representatives who voted …
Monthly Archives: September 2025
Measured voices
By Herman M. Lagon Public life can feel loud on our screens, yet strangely quiet in many offices. People look up from their desks, share a glance, then return to deadlines. It is not apathy — it is calculation. Families depend on paydays, and reputations are fragile. Many who see what is wrong keep their …
Bacolod SP pushes for 10% VAT to ease consumer burden
By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) has thrown its full support behind a pending bill in Congress that seeks to reduce the value-added tax (VAT) from 12 percent to 10 percent, saying the measure would help struggling households cope with rising costs of living. In a unanimous vote, the council approved a …
NegOcc execs seek DENR special permit to speed up lahar clearing
By CESAR JOLITO III Provincial and congressional officials in Negros Occidental are seeking special clearance from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to remove volcanic debris from waterways in Mt. Kanlaon National Park (MKNP), saying existing restrictions are slowing the clearing response. Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson and 5th District Representative Emilio “Dino” Yulo …
Benitez: House shake-up path to transparency
By CESAR JOLITO III Bacolod City Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez welcomed the leadership change in the House of Representatives yesterday, saying it is the “best way to move forward” amid mounting controversies hounding the chamber. With 253 votes, Isabela 6th District Representative Faustino “Bojie” Dy III was elected as the new speaker yesterday. Benitez, who has long …
2 dead, 1 hurt in separate shootings
By CESAR JOLITO III Two individuals were shot dead while another was wounded in separate shooting incidents in Negros Oriental and Negros Occidental earlier this week. In Negros Oriental’s Tayasan town, a 40-year-old farmer was shot dead by four unidentified armed men in Barangay Lag-it’s Sitio Dinacupan at 3:20 a.m. on Tuesday, September 16. Police …
Animal raisers associations back lifting of GMO ban in NegOcc
Six animal raisers associations in Negros Occidental have issued a joint manifesto expressing support to the lifting of the province’s 18-year-old ban on the entry of genetically-modified organisms (GMOs), particularly Bt corn, through a regulatory ordinance now being deliberated by the Provincial Board. The groups, which released the manifesto through the provincial government on Tuesday …
Taga-Calamba nanalo ng ₱200,000 sa Scratchlt, idadagdag sa pambayad-utang at pondo sa kasal
Isang tubong Calamba na ngayo’y nangungupahan sa Sta. Rosa ang nakatsamba ng P200,000 mula sa GoBananas ScratchIt noong Agosto 10, 2025. Ang maswerteng mananaya ay si Baltazar Bueno, 33 anyos, isang private employee, na inamin na kada Sabado at Linggo ay bumibili siya ng ScratchIt kapag wala siyang pasok. “Masaya ako kasi pandagdag bayad sa …
Mendoza, Lago rule ICTSI junior divisions
By ADRIAN STEWART CO Denise Mendoza and Ethan Lago posted commanding victories in their respective age brackets in the ICTSI Negros Occidental Junior PGT Championship at the Marapara course in Negros Occidental. Mendoza dominated the girls’ 7-10 division, following up her opening-round 72 with a closing 70 for a 142 total in the 36-hole event. …
Negrense Ordiales shines as Alas stuns Egypt in FIVB
By ADRIAN STEWART CO Negrense Leo Ordiales delivered a breakout performance as the Alas Pilipinas men stunned Egypt, 29-27, 23-25, 25-21, 25-21, to record its first-ever victory in the FIVB Volleyball Men’s World Championship 2025 at the SM Mall of Asia Arena in Pasay City on Tuesday night, September 16. The 23-year-old spiker from Negros …