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By CESAR JOLITO III The Commission on Elections in the Negros Island Region (Comelec-NIR) is pressing ahead with its preparations for the 2026 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE), despite circulating rumors that the polls may be postponed or canceled. In an interview, Atty. Lionel Marco Castillano emphasized that preparations will continue unless a law …

By CESAR JOLITO III The National Housing Authority (NHA) has formally launched the MassKara Village housing project in Bacolod City’s Barangay Sum-ag, aiming to provide 500 affordable housing units for qualified beneficiaries as part of the government’s socialized housing program. The development, with a total project cost of P1.04 billion, spans approximately 73,105 square meters …

By CESAR JOLITO III Bacolod City Administrator Mark Mayo said the local government is considering extending the “Libre Sakay Program” beyond its initial run, depending on an internal assessment of its effectiveness. The city government rolled out the free ride initiative on Monday, March 23, to assist commuters affected by transport disruptions and rising fuel …

A transport strike staged by a group of operators and drivers in Bacolod City yesterday remained peaceful and prompted a dialogue with Mayor Greg Gasataya, who pledged to address their immediate concerns. “No untoward incidents were recorded, reflecting the orderly and peaceful conduct of the activity,” the Police Regional – Office Negros Island Region (PRO-NIR) …

The alert status over Kanlaon Volcano may be raised to Alert Level 3 should it erupt again in the next few days, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs). While Alert Level 2 remains in effect, Phivolcs warned that the March 15 eruption is already the third within a month and could …

By CESAR JOLITO III The Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) has formally urged the national government to accelerate the development of renewable and alternative energy programs, citing the growing impact of volatile global oil prices on Filipino households. The call emphasizes the country’s continued reliance on imported oil and its vulnerability to external market disruptions, particularly …

By CESAR JOLITO III The Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFOMS) has strongly denounced the killing of Negrense radio broadcaster Julito “Jaz” Diamante Calo, describing the incident as a serious threat to press freedom and journalist safety across the country. In a statement, PTFOMS Executive Director Jose Torres, Jr. said the task force assured …

By CESAR JOLITO III Several transport groups in Bacolod City called for public understanding as they prepare to stage a transport strike and protest rally on Monday, March 23, citing the continued surge in fuel prices and lack of sufficient government support. Members of the transport groups are expected to gather at several gasoline stations …

By CESAR JOLITO III A lawmaker has criticized the Sugar Regulatory Administration (SRA) for allowing large-scale sugar importation despite existing surplus, warning that the policy has triggered billions in losses for the local sugar industry. In a privilege speech, Negros Occidental 3rd District Representative Javier Miguel Benitez said SRA’s Sugar Order No. 8 authorized the …

By CESAR JOLITO III Authorities intensified efforts to enforce safety and regulatory standards after the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) led a coordinated late-night inspection of entertainment establishments across the city on Friday night, March 20. The citywide operation targeted nightclubs, restobars, KTV bars, massage clinics, and spa facilities as part of a broader push …