By CESAR JOLITO III Negros Oriental 3rd District Representative Janice Degamo said the recent acquittal of former Representative Arnolfo Teves, Jr. in a 2019 murder case is “painful and difficult to accept,” stressing that it does not absolve him of accountability in other pending cases, including the deadly Pamplona Massacre in 2023. In a …
Monthly Archives: January 2026
Beware of online loan sharks
By Ade S. Fajardo Online lending companies, Fast Cash Global Lending Inc., Unipeso Lending Company Inc., and Fynamics Lending Inc., have been summoned by the National Privacy Commission (NPC) over reports that they have accessed and used mobile phonebooks of their borrowers without the latter’s consent. Using data in the phones of their alleged victims, …
Dealing with digital drama queens
By Herman M. Lagon There is always one in every thread. You know the type. The one who snubs joy like it is a sin, who turns your good news into a courtroom drama, and who reads your promotion or your child’s graduation post like it is a personal affront. It does not matter if …
Resolutions: Should we give up on losing weight this year?
At the beginning of each year, the word “resolution” becomes synonymous with “go to the gym.” Of all new year resolutions, health-related goals are the most common. As the clock strikes midnight on January first, most of us renew our commitment to play more sports, lose weight, eat healthier, and live a more active lifestyle. …
Does ‘foreign object’ in donated food pose health risks?
By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod City government has issued a health advisory and tightened regulations on donated food after a “foreign object” was discovered in cups of arroz caldo distributed at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) on Friday, January 16. City Administrator Mark Mayo said the advisory applies to employees of the Business …
Sanson urges unity, long-term reforms to stabilize sugar industry
By CESAR JOLITO III Sugar Board member David Sanson called on sugar farmers and planter federations to unite and pursue long-term solutions to address persistent challenges in the sugar industry, including production costs, pricing, marketing, and pest infestation. Representing sugar planters, Sanson said recent improvements in sugar and molasses prices offer a positive sign for …
Cease order vs. palm oil plantation still in effect
By CESAR JOLITO III The palm oil plantation operated by Hacienda Asia Plantation Inc. (HAPI) in Negros Occidental’s Candoni town remains under a cease and desist order (CDO) issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) due to unresolved environmental violations and continued non-compliance with regulatory requirements. According to the DENR, HAPI has …
2 nabbed in buy-bust; P1.87-M ‘shabu’ seized
By CESAR JOLITO III Police arrested two alleged drug personalities and seized an estimated P1.87 million worth of suspected shabu during a buy-bust operation in Bacolod City’s Barangay Tangub on Saturday night, January 17. The arrested individuals were identified only by their aliases as 38-year-old “Jeffrey” and 39-year-old “Fernando,” both residents of Tangub. The operation, …
PDL hurt in assault inside jail
By CESAR JOLITO III A detained person deprived of liberty (PDL) was injured after being assaulted by fellow inmates inside a jail facility in Negros Occidental on Friday morning, January 16. According to jail chief Inspector Juniven Rey Umadhay, the victim was inside his cell when he was allegedly attacked by four other PDLs using …
Rights group flags Army’s ‘harassment’ of farmers in Kabankalan
By CESAR JOLITO III A human rights group has raised alarm over alleged threats, surveillance and intimidation involving farmers at Barangay Orong in Negros Occidental’s Kabankalan City, reportedly carried out by members of the 94th Infantry Battalion, also known as the “Mandirigma” Battalion, of the Philippine Army. Human Rights Advocates Negros (HRAN) said it received …