By Dennis Gorecho Street art is a legal form of artistic expression that always had a history of being influenced by prevailing social issues. Street art makes daily activities more interesting by adding character to what would otherwise just be gray and boring walls. The first national West Philippine Sea (WPS) Mural Festival was conceived …
Monthly Archives: April 2026
Intelligent stupidity in public office
By Herman M. Lagon There is a familiar feeling when you watch a public hearing long enough. At first, you listen closely. Then, somewhere along the way, you stop expecting answers. You just try to follow the flow, hoping something real comes out of it. The words sound right. The tone is steady. It all …
Over 10% of world’s oceans now under protection
More than 10 percent of the world’s oceans have been formally designated as protected areas for the first time, according to a joint study published by the UN Environment Program World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). The study puts formal ocean protection coverage at 10.01 percent, …
Transport leader yields over cyberlibel case
By CESAR JOLITO III The president of the Kabacod Negros Transport Organization (KNETCO) voluntarily surrendered in connection with a cyberlibel complaint filed against her in December 2025. Bacolod City Police Station 8 processed KNETCO President Lillian Sembrano for custodial procedures following the complaint lodged by Corazon Ocalinas of Choret Corporation. Based on police records and …
San Carlos bishop urges responsibility, accountability amid Toboso clash
The bishop of the Diocese of San Carlos in Negros Occidental on Monday, April 27, called for responsibility and accountability among authorities, the media, and the public amid the alleged clash in Toboso that left 19 people dead, including two students and a local journalist. In a statement, San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza urged authorities …
Bacolod mayor seeks fuel subsidy inclusion for over 10-K drivers
By CESAR JOLITO III Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya has appealed to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to include 10,551 drivers from the city in the national fuel subsidy program, citing the growing financial strain caused by rising fuel prices linked to tensions in the Middle East. In a formal submission yesterday, …
20 riders cited in illegal drag racing
By CESAR JOLITO III Authorities shut down an illegal motorcycle drag race in Bacolod City’s Barangay Granada, leading to the impounding of 13 motorcycles and the citation of at least 20 riders for traffic violations. The Land Transportation Office in the Negros Island Region (LTO-NIR) said 13 motorcycles were impounded due to document-related violations, including …
Negros voters urged to register for BSKE before May 18 deadline
The Commission on Elections in the Negros Island Region (Comelec-NIR) is urging voters to register for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) ahead of the May 18 deadline. Lionel Marco Castillano, regional election director of Comelec-NIR based in Dumaguete City, told the Philippine News Agency in an interview that they will conclude the voters’ …
Sagay to strictly enforce helmet use starting June 1
Sagay City in Negros Occidental is set to fully enforce the use of helmets for motorcycle riders starting June 1. “All riders and passengers must wear standard protective helmets, either full or half-face,” the city government said in an advisory. As of yesterday, the reorientation period is ongoing and will run until May 31. “This …
PNP probes Negros e-sabong bust, link to Atong
The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is investigating a police operation in Talisay City, Negros Occidental that uncovered an illegal “e-sabong” (online cockfighting) facility that may be linked to fugitive businessman Charlie “Atong” Ang. PNP spokesperson Brigadier General Randulf Tuaño said PNP chief General Jose Melencio Nartatez, Jr. has also ordered a probe into …