By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga United Sugar Producers Federation of the Philippines (Unifed) President Manuel Lamata yesterday slammed Senator Franklin Drilon after the latter supported a reduction to the excise tax on artificial sweeteners, which include high fructose corn syrup (HFCS). “He is a traitor to the sugar industry,” the Unifed president declared. The tax …
HEADLINE
The sugar industry faces a ‘bigger fight’ –Senator
Zubiri: WTO to discuss domestic sugar issue By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, who was in Bacolod City for a Philippine Eskrima Kali Arnis Federation event, discussed the ongoing issues with the local sugar industry at a press conference yesterday, where he said the industry faces a “bigger fight” against multinational corporations …
Phivolcs reports phreatic eruption at Mt. Kanlaon over the weekend
Volcanologists: More eruptions may occur By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported a “low-energy phreatic eruption” began around 9:47 a.m., Saturday morning, at Mt. Kanlaon. Based on reports from the agency, the event went for around 10 minutes, where the volcano emitted steam and dark ash. Seven volcanic earthquakes were also …
Sayson poll protest junked
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga The House of Representatives Electoral Tribunal (HRET) unanimously junked the poll protest lodged by former Bacolod City Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson against Bacolod Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya, 9-0. According to the decision, signed by HRET chairperson, Supreme Court Associate Judge Presbitero Velasco, Jr., the allegations of vote buying …
BCPO Director confirms PNP is considering the procurement of body cameras
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) officer-in-charge, Police Senior Superintendent Francisco Ebreo, confirmed the Philippine National Police (PNP) is currently considering the procurement of body cameras for police officers, which are believed to offer transparency and accountability following operations. The BCPO chief said he is considering lobbying for the technology; however, …
Murcia resident wounded in shooting
By Neska Centina A man was wounded in a shooting incident at Hacienda Binitin in Barangay Blumentritt, Murcia, Negros Occidental, Friday morning. The victim, identified as 23-year-old John Rey Acupan, suffered a gunshot wound to his right leg. Following an initial investigation, Acupan and his relatives were walking in the said area when the three suspects approached …
Fire guts one house in San Carlos City
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga An early morning fire destroyed a house at Sitio Sumulog in Barangay Bulwangan, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental. In an interview with Senior Fire Officer 1 (SFO1) Marilou Dela Cruz, San Carlos City Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) fire marshall, she said they received a call around 4:32 a.m. reporting a fire …
Bidding for Negros-Guimaras-Panay Bridge to commence next year –Antique Governor
By Paulo Loreto Lim Antique Governor Rhodora Cadiao affirmed during yesterday’s Regional Development Council-Region VI (RDC-6) meeting at the Nature’s Village Resort in Talisay City, Negros Occidental, bidding for the proposed Negros-Guimaras-Panay Bridge will commence towards the middle of 2018. “Hopefully, the project will be realized before the term of [President Rodrigo Duterte] ends,” she …
NOPPO ready to rejoin anti-illegal drug campaign
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga The Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office (NOPPO) said they are available and well-prepared to return to the anti-illegal drug campaign, as ordered by President Rodrigo Duterte. In a recent interview with NOPPO director, Police Senior Superintendent Rodolfo Castil, Jr., he said, while they are still awaiting official notice from the …
Negros Oriental Governor dismissed
By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales yesterday ordered the dismissal of Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo after he was found guilty of grave misconduct in regard to an “anomalous utilization” of the province’s 2013 budget. In a statement by the Office of the Ombudsman, the governor will be charged in violation …