By Ade S. Fajardo The International Criminal Court (ICC) Pre-Trial Chamber began the four-day confirmation of charges hearing for former President Rodrigo Duterte. The world knows that Duterte is set to face trial in the crimes against humanity charges linked to his government’s anti-drug campaign. This is alleged to be a national amplification of the …
Monthly Archives: March 2026
Bring justice home
By Herman M. Lagon Justice does not travel well when it is wrapped only in slogans. This reflection feels especially apt as we mark the 40th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution on February 25. Four decades ago, Filipinos filled a highway not merely to chant, but to insist that institutions must answer to …
Why authoritarianism won’t fix corruption in Southeast Asia
At a recent Jakarta economic forum, Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto revived a familiar Southeast Asian argument that only a strong state can uproot corruption, framing tougher executive power as a practical tool against graft. “Some groups keep complaining, saying things like ‘Prabowo is authoritarian,’” he told attendees at the 2026 Indonesia Economic Outlook forum. “But …
NegOcc to focus on ‘scaled-down’ bulk water project after Silay rejection
By CESAR JOLITO III Negros Occidental is exploring a smaller-scale version of its bulk water project following rejection from the Silay City council of a key clearance needed for the original plan. Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the proposed project could tap the water surface of the Malogo River in E.B. Magalona town, potentially supplying …
Bacolod council OKs PWD social pension reform
By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod City council has approved on third and final reading its persons with disabilities (PWDs) social pension reform ordinance, a measure aimed at strengthening and expanding financial assistance for PWDs, particularly those in vulnerable and disadvantaged situations. The ordinance amends key provisions of City Ordinance No. 1010 in 2022. The …
SRA hopes to clear backlog in SIDA support
By CESAR JOLITO III The Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) has intensified its efforts to clear pending farm support for agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) and sugar farmers in Negros Occidental, as the agency targets “zero backlog” under the Sugar Industry Development Act (SIDA) program. “Our target is zero backlog. We are committed to ensuring that all …
Bacolod to install flood warning systems in 8 brgys
By CESAR JOLITO III In a proactive move to strengthen disaster preparedness, the Bacolod City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) has begun site inspections in flood-prone areas and is set to install early warning devices in eight barangays across the city. The initiative targets communities historically affected by heavy rains and typhoons, aiming …
NPA claims man’s killing
By CESAR JOLITO III Authorities are investigating the fatal shooting of a 42-year-old man outside his home at Barangay Dian-ay in Negros Occidental’s Escalante City after the New People’s Army (NPA) claimed responsibility for the killing. The victim, a resident of Sitio Lumanab in the village, was found lifeless at 9:55 a.m. on Thursday, February …
BFP-NIR kicks off Fire Prevention Month
By CESAR JOLITO III The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) officially launched Fire Prevention Month 2026 in the Negros Island Region (NIR) with a large-scale regional kick-off ceremony yesterday, March 1, drawing strong participation from government agencies, civic groups and community volunteers. The BFP highlighted heightened fire safety advocacy as the country enters the dry …
8,600 athletes, coaches converge at 1st-ever NIR meet
By CESAR JOLITO III More than 8,600 delegates are set to compete in the inaugural Negros Island Region Athletic Association Meet (NIRAAM) 2026, which will be held from March 1 to 7, bringing together young athletes from across NIR in a historic regional sporting event. Organizers reported a total of 8,648 participants representing various divisions. …