HEADLINE

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga The Negros Island Region (NIR) was again excluded by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) in the proposed 2018 national budget, according to Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary for Public Safety Jesus Hinlo, Jr., yesterday. With an impending order reassigning Hinlo as a top Landbank …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Bacolod Lone District Rep. Greg Gasataya said the Negros Bloc vowed to push for a 2018 budget for the Negros Island Region (NIR). Currently, the congressman said he is unaware if NIR is included in the proposed budget, but assured the issue would be taken up in congressional hearings. According …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. recently expressed his support for the executive order signed by President Rodrigo Duterte banning smoking in public places. Marañon suggested smokers quit the habit, referring to it as a “vice.” “You are just burning your money,” he stressed. “You are shortening your life.” He …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. slammed the New People’s Army (NPA) yesterday and endorsed President Rodrigo Duterte’s decision to cancel peace talks with the rebels. “It’s not only Guihulngan City, they have also conducted ambushes in several other places,” Marañon said, referring to the deadly attack that occurred last …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga President Rodrigo Duterte’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) yesterday drew generally positive responses from city officials; however, there were different interpretations to his tone. Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia called the speech a “typical President Duterte show,” describing it as “clear, forceful, authoritative, witty, comprehensive, and more.” The response …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Militant groups in Bacolod City are planning rallies today as President Rodrigo Duterte delivers his second State of the Nation Address (SONA). Former Bayan Muna Representative Neri Colmenares, who spoke at a Martial Law forum at Negros Occidental High School (NOHS) yesterday, said groups will be holding their own SONA …

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga Abang Lingkod Party-list Rep. Stephen Paduano expects President Rodrigo Duterte to highlight the war on drugs and terrorism in his second State of the Nation Address (SONA) today. Paduano said the president will also provide an update on the country’s foreign relations with China and Russia, as well as the …