By Fr. Roy Cimagala “Some Pharisees approached Jesus, and tested him, saying, ‘Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife for any cause whatever?’” (Matthew 19:3) This is the opening passage of the gospel in the 19th week in Ordinary Time. It brings out the question of marriage and divorce that now is …
Monthly Archives: June 2026
Dynasties bill loophole
By Herman M. Lagon A few days ago, while having coffee with friends, somebody cracked a joke that drew more laughter than it probably deserved. “If political dynasties are the ones writing the anti-dynasty law, that is like asking mosquitoes to draft anti-dengue measures.” Everyone laughed. Then everyone paused. Because some jokes are funny for …
Dial 911 hotline responsibly: BCPO
By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) has renewed its appeal to the public to use the 911 emergency hotline responsibly, warning that prank calls and false reports could delay assistance to people facing real emergencies. During a press conference yesterday, BCPO public information officer Dax Santillan said City Director Police Colonel …
Swift action vowed vs. ‘police extortion’
By CESAR JOLITO III The Police Regional Office in the Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) has launched criminal and administrative proceedings following allegations that a police officer demanded and accepted money from an aspiring police applicant in exchange for assistance in securing entry into the police service. According to PRO-NIR, a complaint filed before the Bacolod …
Enrollment in Bacolod schools declines
By CESAR JOLITO III The number of students enrolled in public schools across Bacolod City for School Year 2026-2027 has decreased, the Bacolod City Schools Division Office said. RJ Paglumotan, city schools division deputy spokesperson, said enrollment in public schools currently stands at around 99,000 learners, a significant drop from the 109,000 students recorded during …
Bacolod ready to send aid for quake victims
By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA Assistance to residents affected by the magnitude 7.8 earthquake that struck Mindanao on Monday, June 8 is being readied by the Bacolod City government. Mayor Greg Gasataya said they are prepared to extend whatever assistance is needed to the affected communities. “We will assess the situation to determine what assistance we …
Child labor sees decline in NegOr
Due to aggressive and sustained efforts to combat worse forms of child labor, the number of young people working in hazardous environments in Negros Oriental has declined, authorities said. Sandra Delfin, senior labor and employment officer of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) in Negros Oriental, said at a forum in Dumaguete City that …
Hollero appointed as new Baciwa GM
By MERLINDA A. PEDROSA The board of directors of the Bacolod City Water District (Baciwa) has appointed Valerie Ann Hollero as the new general manager of the water district, House Deputy Speaker and Bacolod Lone District Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said. Hollero, a former regional vice president of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation for Western …
PDEA secures NegOr ports, to conduct inspections
The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) in Negros Oriental is stepping up security measures at various ports to prevent the entry of illegal drugs in the province, an official said. PDEA provincial chief Elmer Ebona told the Philippine News Agency in an interview that the seaports and the airport will be closely monitored as these …
Aguilar, Ong punch JPGT finals tickets
By ADRIAN STEWART CO Darren Ong and Ana Marie Aguilar delivered stunning, last-ditch charges to secure their spots in the Junior PGT Elite finals, conquering the ICTSI Negros JPGT Championship in contrasting but equally spectacular fashion at the Negros Occidental Golf and Country Club in Bacolod City. Both golfers didn’t just win the tournament — …