Bacolod City News September 2011

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1,000 troopers to secure MassKara opening

By Merlinda A. Pedrosa


ABOUT one thousand members of Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and peacemakers will be deployed in different areas of Bacolod City on the opening of the 32nd MassKara Festival on October 1.

Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) Director Ricardo De la Paz said Wednesday they already received commitment from the Regional Training School-Western Visayas that about 100 police trainees will be sent to augment the BCPO, adding 100 will be deployed by the Regional Public Safety Battalion, 62 from Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office, and 115 from AFP.

De la Paz said they will also tap the village chiefs in Bacolod to augment their force multipliers and other volunteer groups to secure and enhance police visibility as crime prevention initiatives.

He said they will tighten their security, especially on October 14, 15, and 16, to secure the safety of the public against the pickpockets, theft, robbers and “Salisi gang”.

De la Paz said that starting October 1, the BCPO will be on full alert status.

He said they will also coordinate with the Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency to monitor the possible entry of illegal drugs into the city during the festival, and they will intensify intelligence efforts in coordination with the Maritime groups to prevent the entry of illegal drugs in the city.

He cited that they are still conducting conferences with different task units, support groups, government agencies involved, non-government organizations and volunteers to define properly the rules during the festival.

De la Paz pointed out that they are aiming for zero casualty in this year’s festival.

He said the PNP personnel will focus in festival sites including Bacolod Public Plaza, Lacson Street and New Government Center, adding that they will also assign police officers in Golden Field Commercial Complex.

De la Paz also urged the kiosk owners in Public Plaza not to serve bottled beers; instead, it should be canned beers. He said the kiosk owners are not also allowed to serve liquors to the minors.

Bacolod police rate 'very satisfactory' in crisis management

By Merlinda A. Pedrosa


THE Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) got on Tuesday a very satisfactory rating from the evaluators of Annual General Inspection-Operational Readiness Security Inspection Test and Evaluation (Agi-Orsite) in crisis management.

Police Chief Superintendent Ramon Ancheta from the Regional Internal Affairs Service of National Capital Region, who heads the Agi-Orsite, said BCPO showed very satisfactory performance in responding to crime incidents and calamities.

The BCPO personnel on Tuesday performed an actual demonstration on how to respond to incidents such as hostage crisis, bank robbery, bombings, and other activities to form the crisis management scenario.

Ancheta said they will present to the Police Regional Office-Western Visayas that BCPO had performed realistically with speed, skills and with constant practice.

He said the BCPO personnel are aggressive performers in the Agi-Orsite.

Agi-Orsite, a simultaneous activity in the country, is in line with the Philippine National Police's drive for continued improvement among police in responsiveness to crime and calamities.

Ancheta also lauded the BCPO personnel in terms of "Tamang Bihis" – how personnel wore their uniforms.

BCPO Director Senior Superintendent Ricardo De la Paz was inspired by the initial assessment of the evaluators of Agi-Orsite.

"This is a one way of checking operational readiness in responding to critical incidents that need the immediate activation of the crisis management committee and critical incident task group," de la Paz said.

He said it only showed that BCPO has the capability to respond to any crime incident, noting that they didn't expect to top in Agi-Orsite ranking.

"The important thing is that we showed our efforts in preparations for the Agi-Orsite activity," he said.

On the other hand, the Agi-Orsite in Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office led by the inspection team leader Police Chief Superintendent Conrado Villanueva is also ongoing.

Bacolod City, finalist for 4 nat'l awards

By Danny B. Dangcalan


BACOLOD CITY ,Philippines - This city is vying as a finalist for this year's four national awards.

These are the: 1) Most Child-Friendly City award; 2) Most Business-Friendly City award, which it won thrice in the past from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry; 3) DILG's Seal of Good Housekeeping for Local Governments award, of which the city is one of eight other finalists in Western Visayas; and 4) the National Gawad Pamana ng Lahi, an award for exemplary performance in local governance, that Bacolod is competing against the cities of Iloilo and San Carlos.

Bacolod was chosen for the Gawad after an +`assessment conducted by the DILG of all LGUs in Region 6 in three categories: Province, city, municipality.

City Mayor Evelio Leonardia said that, based on the score sheet of the DILG, Bacolod got a perfect score as far as transparency is concerned.

DILG-Bacolod director Dino Ponsaran said this is the first year that the Gawad recognizes LGU's performance in governance in the areas of administration, social services, economic development and environmental management.

In determining the best performing LGU's and the special awardees, the DILG identified the winners based on the results of the customized "LGPMS-Data Capture Form," acknowledged LGU innovations and awards received from recognized award-giving bodies.

Bacolod lawmaker seeks review of oil deregulation law

By Carla N. Canet


BACOLOD City Representative Anthony Golez filed a bill seeking a review of the controversial Oil Deregulation Law in the House of Representatives.

Golez said that if the oil industry is regulated, this means that the government will serve as a buffer or shock absorber of any increase or decrease in the cost of oil in the world market.

He said the government will invest in keeping the balance in terms of oil price.

He said those countries that regulate their oil industry suffer because they are absorbing so much already that the government cannot afford anymore. This is the reason why the trend now in the whole world is deregulating the oil industry, he added.

Golez said the oil companies should also play a big role on this by practicing their corporate social responsibility. They cannot just increase the cost of oil without basis, he said.

He added that as the country is deregulating its oil industry, it is important for the Department of Energy to strictly monitor and maintain a strong relationship with the oil companies so that they can influence their decision particularly in preventing the oil prices increase.

"We have to weigh things on this and I am hoping that all congressmen study the difference, similarity and what is best for us is it the regulated or deregulated oil industry," he said.

Meanwhile, Golez also filed a resolution in support of Negros Occidental third district Representative Albee Benitez's resolution seeking investigation into the P5 disparity in prices of fuel in Bacolod City and Negros Occidental.

Golez said that based on the report by the Department of Energy, the high cost of fuel in the city is due to rampant oil smuggling in other parts of the country. No oil smuggling has been reported in Bacolod City, he said.

He said another reason mentioned in the report was the lack of fuel depot in the city that can accommodate oil supply from Batangas, Manila and other parts of the country. The cost of the transfer contributes to the price disparity, he added.

'PP9 fighters amaze fans during public sparring

By Jerome S. Galunan Jr.


BACOLOD CITY – Fans and supporters of Pinoy Pride 9 were amazed of how the Filipino fighters displayed their respective fighting stances yesterday during the public sparring held at the SM City-Bacolod.

The fighters led by Negrense world champion Donnie ‘Ahas’ Nietes showed their local fans what they got – skills, strength and speed against their respective sparring partners.

Also, during the event, the fans were able to get complimentary tickets for the fight night as well as earned to have photo opportunities with their favorite fighters.

Present during the public sparring were ALA Promotions President/CEO Michael Aldeguer and his father Antonio ‘Bidoy’ Aldueger.

The Murcia-native Nietes (28-1-3) is scheduled to challenge current Mexican WBO World lightflyweight champion Ramon ‘Principe’ Garcia (16-2-1).

Nietes is recognized as one of the top 5 all-time minimumweight champions in the history of boxing as he successfully defended his title thrice at the enemies’ territory.

Meanwhile, also fighting in the undercard is the current WBO Asia Pacific bantamweight titlist AJ “Bazooka” Banal. He is set to defend his belt against the undefeated and the former WBC FECOMBOX super bantamweight champion Mario “Maca” Briones of Mexico.

Likewise, featured in the undercard are Top Prime Stable’s Arthur ‘El Matador’ Villanueva of Bago City, who will be facing Tanzanian Shaaban Madilu, and Merlito ‘Tiger’ Sabillo of Toboso taking Rodel Tejares for the OPBF minimumweight championship. Both fighters are under Top Prime Stable of Rev. Henry Guanzon.

The Pinoy Pride 9: WBO World Lightflyweight Championship set on October 8, 2011 at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum is proudly presented by the City Government of Bacolod, the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental, SM City Bacolod, Bacolod Pavilion Hotel, East View Hotel, Bascon Hotel, L’ Fisher Hotel, 888 Chinatown Mall, Skycable, KIA Motors, Palmas del Mar, and the University of St. La Salle Bacolod.

'Task Force Linis' to clean Burgos Market

By Carla N. Canet


TASK Force Linis headed by Bacolod City Executive Assistant Sammy Montoyo will conduct a clean-up drive at the city's north (Burgos) market.

The Task Force will clean the vegetable, fish and meat sections, clean and paint Hilado and Galo side-streets of the market, which will be utilized as exclusive parking spaces for market clienteles, regular vendors and suppliers that will be done on different schedules.

City Councilor Dindo Ramos will call for a public hearing soon regarding the conversion of the said side streets into parking spaces for an appropriate traffic ordinance.

Saturday's activity focuses on the cleaning of the vegetable section of the interior market premises covering more or less 61 unoccupied stalls including its surroundings.

The kick-off activity is participated in by the City Mayor’s Office-EAs and staff and PESO scholars as part of their community service, Department of Public Services Cleaners, City Engineers Office, Soroptimist Club, Bacolod City Water District, Amity Fire Brigade, Burgos Market staff and Burgos Market Vendor's Association.

Montoyo said the purpose of the activity is to maintain the orderliness and cleanliness inside and outside the premises of the market and to introduce some improvements and innovations on how to make markets more beneficial to the buying public.

He said it can also serve as a venue for vendors where they can utilize the amiable surroundings with ample parking spaces and facilities at hand.

Montoyo said after putting the interior premises and sides-streets in order, they will conduct a marketing drive under a "BK3 program (Burgos ko, Balikan ko, Baklan ko)".

They will conduct personal visitations and meeting with barangay officials of surrounding, underlying barangays and homeowners associations of various subdivisions encouraging them to do their marketing chores at Burgos Market.

"Private individuals and associations are invited to join the city in this drive as part of private-public partnership," Montoyo said.

Montoyo said that after cleaning Burgos market they will conduct another plan for cleaning up other markets in Bacolod City.

The Task Force Linis is a creation upon the order of Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia to conduct activities as a continuing program of the city’s beautification and clean and green program.

Nullification of Oil Deregulation Law sought

By Carla N. Canet and Teresa Ellera-Dulla


BACOLOD CITY - A party-list group, together with major transport groups in the country, filed on Friday before the Bacolod Regional Trial Court a petition to nullify the Oil Deregulation Law. Representative Vigor Mendoza (1-Utak partylist), together with nine transport groups in Bacolod City and eight national organizations, trooped to the Hall of Justice and filed the petition. The group stressed that the Republic Act 8479 or the Oil Deregulation Law is unconstitutional because it is vague and therefore considered void. Among the leaders of major transport organizations that joined the petition were Federation of Jeepney Operators and Drivers Association of the Philippines (Fejodap) officials led by Zenadia Macaranan, Alliance of Concerned Transport Organization (Acto) group led by Efren De Luna, Pasang Masda and transport federations from Davao, Iloilo and Roxas. Macaranan said they chose to file the petition here because there is a momentum in terms of complaints against high prices of fuel and the level of awareness against the oil deregulation law is also high. The group confirmed that Negros has the highest prices of fuel in the whole country. They also said they have informed President Benigno Aquino III of their nullification petition when they met with him in Malacañang last week. The filing of the petition is first time that the constitutionality of Oil Deregulation Law will be questioned in court. Mendoza noted the anti-trust provisions of RA 8479 are enforced through monitoring of the Department of Energy-Department of Justice Task Force. Accordingly, an investigation on the possible violation of the said law, as defined in Section 11 of the same law, is triggered by a determination of an unreasonable rise in the price of petroleum products. He said the determination of whether the rise in oil price is unreasonable cannot be done without first defining what “fair price” means. “Unfortunately, RA 8479 failed to do this nor did it provide guidelines for its determination,” he added. Mendoza said, “The failure to define nor set guidelines for the determination of a fair price effectively puts into a halt from its inception the operation of the anti-trust provisions of RA 8479 which is penal in nature.” “This leads the public open to possible and unverified abuse of oil companies in the determination of oil prices as they are, simply put, unchecked and unmonitored,” the party-list leader said. “There is a need to declare the whole RA 8479 as unconstitutional for failure to define and set guidelines for the determination of a “fair price” that will set into motion the enforcement of the anti-trust provision of the same law,” Mendoza said. He added they also expect Congress to work on the repeal of the Oil Dereggulation Law but they opted to bring the matter to the court, which is faster than the long legislative procedure.

Bacolod passes DILG evaluation

By Carla N. Canet


BACOLOD City Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia on Wednesday said the local government of Bacolod is not perfect in its fiscal management but was grateful that it passed in the evaluation done by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) on the seal of good housekeeping.

Bacolod is one of the eight recipient cities in Western Visayas to receive the Seal of Good Housekeeping for Local Governments given by DILG.

Dino Ponzaran of DILG said the Seal of Good Housekeeping is given to local government units all over the Philippines that have an exemplary performance in terms of fiscal management, accountability and transparency.

“If an LGU was given a seal of good housekeeping, it only shows that the recipient LGU is trustworthy,” Ponzaran said.

Ponzaran said that those who are qualified are LGUs with no “adverse” or “disclaimer” COA opinion on its financial statements on the immediately preceding year prior to the roll-out of the seal, assessment and validation and those who complied to the Full Disclosure Policy.

This policy means all transactions on local budget, finances, bids and public offerings are made known to the public.

Ponzaran added that all recipient LGUs will now have an access or can avail themselves of a performance challenge fund.

Meanwhile, the DILG conducted an initial assessment of all LGUs in Western Visayas to select a regional nominee for the National Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award or Gawad for short.

Bacolod, Iloilo and San Carlos were the top three cities chosen to compete for the National Award.

“According to the score sheet of DILG for transparency, Bacolod got a perfect score,” Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia sai

PCCI Picks Bacolod City as Business Friendly City Award Finalist

By Edith B. Colmo


Bacolod City is one of the finalists in the Most Business- Friendly City Awards by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

Miguel Varela, PCCI chairman, informed Mayor Evelio Leonardia about it, and told him to prepare for a presentation on the local government’s initiatives on the five award/criteria:


Quality customer service, public-private sector partnership, investment promotion, MSME (Medium Small Micro Enterprise) development and quality management and innovation.

Leonardia said "this is another recognition of the kind of business environment we have in Bacolod. It is inspiring to say the least. Having reached the finals is a feat by itself. Whatever may happen, we have already won," Leonardia said.

The mayor designated City Administrator Rogelio Balo to present the city’s documents and materials for the contest in Manila this week.

In 2006, Bacolod has won as the Most Business-Friendly City in Western Visayas, and in 2007 the city was acclaimed Most Business-Friendly City in the Philippines.

Under the Leonardia administration, Bacolod has been reaping accolades:

No. 2 of the "10 Growth Centers of the Philippines according to the Asian Institute of Management, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), and the German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), and No. 3 among the "10 Next Wave Cities in the Philippines" as recognized by the Commission on Information and Communications Technology, the Department of Trade and Industry and the Business Processes Outsourcing Association of the Philippines.

Recently, the European Union has also chosen Bacolod as the only pilot city in the country for their Democratic Local Governance in Southeast-Asia (DELGOSEA) project on People Public/Private Partnership.*

Court Denies TRO vs. Bacolod Officials on South Terminal

By Edith B. Colmo


Hon. Judge Manuel Cardinal, Jr. of RTC Branch 49 denied the petition for Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) and preliminary injunction against Bacolod City Mayor Evelio Leonardia and other officials, regarding the transfer of the south terminal to Sambok area at Lopez Jaena Street, Bacolod.

Cardinal’s decision cited "for failure of the petitioner to show an urgent and permanent necessity for the writ to prevent serious damage the issuance of temporary restraining order will not lie."

The petition for declaratory relief with prayer for issuance of temporary restraining order and/or writ of preliminary injunction was filed Thursday before the RTC by Nenita Peters, Rizalina Alon, Noel Moncay and Jovito Gahataon against Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia, Police Chief Inspector Luisito Acebuche of the Bacolod Traffic Authority, City Legal Officer Joselito Bayatan, and Bacolod City Police Director Senior Supt. Ricardo de la Paz.

Also included in the complaint were Belly Aguillon, Josephus Cerna, Silvino Emilio Gallardo and Rogelio Giganan, head of the City Engineer’s Office, Department of Public Services, Public Order and Safety Office, and Public Information Office, respectively.

Cardinal stated in the petition dated September 5, 2011 for declaratory relief with prayer for issuance of TRO and or Writ of Preliminary Injunction was filed by the petitioners, claiming that the continued closure of the waiting stations despite the fact that its operation is allowed by C.O. 1790. In closing the waiting station of Lizron Enterprises and V.R. Lizares, Inc. and directing the PUV’s of the petitioners to use Sambok South terminal, respondents invoked the provisions of C.O. 187 which, as previously stated, never repealed C.O. 1790.

That there is an immediate need for a court of law to render a decision on the conflicting stand of the parties in this case, and in view of the continuance of the acts of the respondents which would certainly work injustice to the petitioners, it is of immediate and urgent necessity to restrain the respondents from permanently closing the waiting stations of Lizron Enterprises and V.R. Lizares, Inc. requiring the petitioners to use the Sambok South terminal as loading point of their passenger through the issuance of TRO and/or Writ of Preliminary Injunction.

However, after hearing the oral arguments of both parties on September 12, 2011, the court required the parties to submit their respective memoranda and/or position papers to support their arguments on the issuance of TRO.

After a thorough perusal of the claim of the parties, it appears that there is no allegation in the petition as well in the position paper of the petitioners that the continued closure of the waiting station of Lizron Enterprises and V.R. Lizares , Inc. would cause grave and irreparable injury to the petitioners which necessitates the issuance of a TRO, considering that they are still operating their respective PUV’s and allowed to pick up passengers along Mabini Street from Rosario Street to Margarita Avenue.

Thus, for failure of the petitioner to show an urgent and permanent necessity for the writ to prevent serious damage the issuance of TRO will not lie. In the case of Ulang vs Court of Appeals, 224 SCRA 642 the Supreme Court held that: "The possibility of irreparable damage without proof of an actual existing right is not a ground for injunction." While the hearing for the issuance of the writ of preliminary injunction is set on September 21, 2011 at 8:30 in the morning.

Leonardia asks Binay to help develop relocation site

By Carla N. Canet


BACOLOD City Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia wrote Vice President Jejomar Binay last September 16 asking him to consider the inclusion of Bacolod’s relocation sites, formerly known as the Abada-Escay and Arao properties, in his housing program.

“We know how task-driven you are, especially when it comes to housing the homeless and marginalized sector of our society. You have done commendable works with your many innovative ideas on slum upgrading, CMP (Community Mortgage Program), and development of resettlements. This is exemplified by your launching the Pabahay Caravan,” Leonardia stated in his letter to the Binay.


“On our end, the city has resorted to land banking to address the housing backlog and doubled-up housing as a result of heavy concentration of informal settlers in our city,” he continued.

Leonardia, in his letter, said the city recently acquired a 58.6-hectare property in Barangay Vista Alegre through a loan from the Philippine Veterans Bank. Of the 58.6, the 15 hectares have been used for the construction of the road leading to the site.

“An overhead tank for water supply, electrical connection and drainage system are now in place. However, we still need to develop the remaining 43-hectares,” Leonardia said.

He requested the Vice President to consider Vista Alegre Relocation Phase II (also known as Arao property) under the Vice President Housing Fund and/or any fund source available and appropriate to this initiative.

Once development is completed, this site, together with the adjacent 30 hectares relocation site (also known as the Abada Escay property) will generate more than 7,000 lots expected to house approximately 35,000 people.

Binay: I’m just aspiring to become a President of the Philippines

By Carla P. Gomez


Vice President Jejomar Binay on Saturday denied announcing that he was running for president in 2016 when President Aquino’s six-year term ends. He claimed that his statement was merely taken out of context. “What I said is I’m aspiring to become a president,” he said. But since the presidential elections were still five years away, he added, he would rather buckle down to work first. “Let us get down to work to fulfill President Noynoy’s promises, there is a time for politics but not yet now,” Binay said. Binay stressed that the approval rating of President Aquino had gone up because the Filipino people found Mr. Aquino sincere. “For whatever it is we know we have a president whose image has not been destroyed because of graft and corruption,” he said. Binay was in Bacolod as keynote speaker at the closing rites of the 20th Visayas Areas Business Conference and Expo at L Fisher Hotel. The Vice President noted that Bacolod is one of the most progressive and elite cities in the country. In his speech, Binay said the city’s vibrant economy, abundant resources, as well as the congeniality and skill of its human resources make it a promising center for investments, agriculture, trade, and industrial growth. “The challenge is how to convert this potential into a reality,” he said. Binay noted that the city government had already laid the foundations in integrating the investment incentives laws of the national government with the local development initiative. City Ordinance No. 323 or The Bacolod Investment Code, aims to transform selected areas of Bacolod into highly developed Agri-industrial, Industrial, Commercial, Tourist, Investment and Financial Centers, he pointed out. This ordinance aims to encourage local entrepreneurs and attract outside investors by offering incentives for new investments, expansion and diversification projects, said Binay.

Council urges cleanliness of plaza during MassKara

By Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper


THE Bacolod City Council has passed a resolution urging three agencies to ensure cleanliness and sanitation, as well as upkeep of plants, trees, gardens and facilities at the Bacolod City public plaza during the celebration of the MassKara festival on October 1-19.

Councilor Sonya Verdeflor, chairman of the City Council committee on history, culture and arts, authored the resolution, which directed the Silver MassKara Foundation Organization (SMFO), the Department of Public Services (DPS) and the Bacolod City Clean and Green Task Force under the City Mayor’s Office to do such task.

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Verdeflor said that come October 1-19, Bacolod City will celebrate its 32nd MassKara festival, an annual and major tourism event of the city, with this year’s theme “Celebrating the New Icons of Bacolod”.

For the festival celebration, the Bacolod City Public Plaza once again will be converted into a MassKara Park, which will be lighted up as one of the three landmarks designed as photo opportunity sites for visitors and tourists.

The Bacolod City Public Plaza will also be one of the festival sites as designated by this year’s organizers, the Silver MassKara Foundation Organization, as festival kiosks will be set up for lease by concessionaires and subsidiary businesses at the rates ranging from P9,000 to P10,500 for the entire festival celebration.

During the celebration, Verdeflor said the Bacolod City Public Plaza’s premises, its gardens, plants and trees including its facilities are subjected to all sorts of wear and tear, littering of garbage and wastes, foul odor and vandalism, to the destruction and deterioration of the city’s landmark, which has to be addressed by this year’s organizers.

With this, the SMFO, DPS and the Clean and Green Task Force should exert all efforts to maintain cleanliness and sanitation, said the councilor.

Police chief backs amendment to juvenile justice act

By Merlinda A. Pedrosa


BACOLOD City Police Office (BCPO) Director Senior Superintendent Ricardo De la Paz on Thursday said he is in favor to amending the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act of 2006 amid the increasing number of minors with criminal offenses in the country.

Under the said act, a child 15 years of age or under at the time of the commission of the offense shall be exempt from criminal liability.

De la Paz said the age limit should be decreased to 9 years old instead of 15 years old to allow prosecution of minors who have been involved in criminal offenses.

He said the adults who use the minors as an instrument to commit a crime should also be held liable.

Bacolod Women and Children Complaints Desk (WCCD) records showed that from January to August 2011, about 497 children are in conflict with the law.

Among the cases these minors involved with are robbery illegal possession of firearms and bladed weapons, illegal drugs, stabbing, illegal gambling, theft, among others.




Nietes, Melligen in Bacolod Friday

By Jerome S. Galunan Jr.


TWO of the world’s top rated boxers, former World Boxing Organization (WBO) minimum weight champion Donnie "Ahas" Nietes and Mark Jason "Mighty" Melligen will arriving tomorrow in Bacolod to prepare for the upcoming Pinoy Pride 9 boxing spectacular on October 8 at the University of St. La Salle Coliseum in Bacolod City.

This boxing event will be the WBO Light Flyweight Championship fight between Mexican champion Ramon "Principe" Garcia and challenger Murcia-native Nietes.

The October slugfest will also feature the WBO Asia-Pacific Championship clash between champion AJ "Bazooka" Banal and Mario "Maca" Briones.

Also fighting in the undercard are Negrense champions Merlito "D' Tiger" Sabillo of Toboso town and Arthur "El Matador" Villanueva of Bago City.

Sabillo (15 wins with 7Kos) is the current Philippine minimum weight champion and will be up for the biggest fight of his career when he battles Tejares Singwancha for the Oriental Pacific Boxing Federation (OPBF) minimum weight championship.

Meanwhile, the 22-year-old Villanueva is also undefeated and reigning Philippine flyweight champion Villanueva with 17 wins, including 15KOs, will be fighting against a Kenyan boxer whose name will be announced later this week.

Both Sabillo and Villanueva are fighting for Top Prime Stable of Rev. Henry Guanzon but lately underwent training in ALA gym in Cebu to prepare for the upcoming fight.

Other fighters in the Nietes-Garcia undercard are Bacolod City’s JP Artieda against Japan’s Kazuya Harada in a four-round 112lbs; Antique’s Mark Acub fighting Japan’s Arai Yoshinubo in a four-round 130lbs; Toledo City’s Ryan Canillas facing Tagbilaran City’s Lito Dante in a four-round 110lbs.; and North Cotabato’s Rommel Asenjo in an eight-round 105lbs. division. However, Adenjo’s opponent is still to be determined.

On the other hand, two more Negrense boxers are making names in professional boxing after their successful stint during the Pinoy Pride 8: "Philippines vs. Mexico" held at the Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino over the weekend.

Escalante-native and 20-year-old Melvin "Massacre" Gumban stopped Junjie Lausa of Bukidnon City in 2.41 minutes in the third round of the scheduled six-rounder battle.

Gumban (6 wins, 2 KOs) was introduced to ALA through sportsman Emmanuel "Em-Em" Yap.

Another Negrense fighter is Bacolod City-born Genesis Servania who remained undefeated after annihilating his first Mexican rival Gerson "El Nene" Guerrero via unanimous decision.

The success of these Negrense boxers has opened the door of opportunity for local aspirants to follow their steps.

Cops lead bloodletting activity

PIA Press Release


BACOLOD CITY, Sept. 14 (PIA) -- Forty (4) Bacolod policemen participated in the bloodletting activity of the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO) dubbed “Dugo Mo, Kabuhi Ko” at Brgy. 15 Hall recently, a press release from BCPO said. Senior Supt. Ricardo de la Paz, BCPO director said, he encouraged his men to donate blood as this is a healthy practice, and to have additional chance to be of service to the community. The activity was organized by the BCPO Police Community Relations Branch, in partnership with the Bacolod City Health Office. Barangay 15 officials, residents and students from the Bacolod City College also participated during the bloodletting activity. Brgy. Captain Anthony Jose Aico said he was glad that his barangay was chosen as venue for the bloodletting. *(BCPO/CAD/JCM/PIA6)

Court lifts TRO on sale of prime lot in Bacolod

By Cebu Daily News


Bacolod City — The Court of Appeals (CA) has lifted a 60-day temporary restraining order (TRO) that may pave the way for the provincial government to proceed with the sale and lease of its 7.7-hectare of prime property here to Ayala Land Inc. (ALI). In a decision dated Sept. 6, the CA’s 20th Division denied the petition of SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SMPHI) for a preliminary injunction and instead cut short the 60-day TRO it issued on July 27. The order was supposed to expire on Oct. 4. The court ordered SMPHI and the provincial government officials to submit their memorandums within 15 days after which the case would be deemed submitted for decision. SMPHI lawyer Vincent Patrick Bayhon could not be reached for comment, as of press time on Sunday. SMPHI filed a petition for certiorari against the provincial government, insisting that it won the July 7 public bidding for the property. It posted a P50-million bond. It had insisted that it “clearly submitted a bid superior to Ayala’s” and was surprised when the bidding was declared a failure. SMPHI had proposed to purchase a portion of the province-owned property for P18,885 per sq.m. and to lease the remaining portion for P65 per sq.m., well within the price set by the awards committee. Ayala, on the other hand, submitted a bid of P17,000 per sq.m. for the purchase and P50 per sq.m. for the lease. The provincial government declared the bidding a failure after both parties’ bids came in below the floor price set by the Commission on Audit. A negotiated bidding was held on July 15, but SMPHI representatives did not show up. The property was then awarded to ALI. SMPHI filed petition before the regional trial court in a bid to stop the negotiated sale and lease. Judge Estefanio S. Libutan Jr. of Bacolod RTC Branch 50 did not issue a TRO but instead asked the Capitol officials and ALI to comment on SMPHI’s petition. But SMPHI decided to elevate its petition to the CA, which then issued a 60-day TRO on July 27. On Sept. 6, the CA ruled to lift the TRO and asked the respondents to file their memorandums. /INQUIRER

Bacolod mayor defends traffic ordinance

By Carla N. Canet


BACOLOD City Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia believes the implementation of City Ordinance No. 187 is the solution to the traffic congestion at Libertad Market area.

The ordinance stipulated the transfer of southbound terminal to Sambok terminal in Lopez Jaena from Daalco waiting station in Libertad.


The mayor said he will prove in court that the city is right in implementing the ordinance.

"I believe we have all the legal grounds in all the action we implemented in the terminal and waiting station. So we cannot pre-empt the courts. We will respect the proceedings and pick it up from there," he said.

He said he believes that the City Government has followed the provisions of the ordinance and "we also believe that is the solution to the congestion at the Libertad Market."

Four operators of southbound mini buses have filed a petition for declaratory relief with prayer for issuance of temporary restraining order and/or writ of preliminary injunction against Bacolod City and police officials Sunday before the Regional Trial Court branch 49.

Lawyer Jufran Gamboa filed the case in behalf of petitioners Nenita Peters, Rizalina Alon, Noel Moncay and Jovito Gahaton against Leonardia, Police Chief Inspector Luisito Acebuche, City Legal Officer Joselito Bayatan, Senior Superintendent Ricardo Dela Paz, City Engineer Belly Aguillon, Department of Public Services officer-in-charge Josephus Cerna, Public Order and Safety Office head Silvino Emilio Gallardo, and Public Information Office officer-in-charge Rogelio Giganan.

The petitioners want a TRO to be issued to prevent the respondents from permanently closing the waiting station of Lizron Enterprises and V.R. Lizares Inc. and likewise restraining the latter from requiring the petitioners to use the Sambok south terminal.

They prayed that the judgment be rendered in upholding the validity of City Ordinance 1790, series of 1969, providing for the establishment of waiting stations in specified areas in Bacolod City.

They also ask the court to pay petitioners actual damages in the form of business losses in the amount of P684,000 or in the amount to be determined by the court and other exemplary damages.

2 charged in radioman's slay

By Danny Dangcalan


BACOLOD CITY ,Philippines – Police have filed murder charges against two suspects in the killing of Iloilo-based broadcaster Niel Jimena in E.B. Magalona, Negros Occidental last Aug. 22.

Senior Superintendent Allan Guisihan, Negros Occidental police director, said Jimena’s wife and daughter, assisted by Task Group Jimena which he chairs, filed the charges Friday before the provincial prosecutor’s office.

Guisihan, however, withheld the identities of the two suspects. He also refused to give copies of the complaint to reporters pending the court’s issuance of warrants of arrest.

He said a witness helped them identify the two suspects, which led to the filing of charges against them.

But as to the motive behind Jimena’s killing, Guisihan said they could not ascertain it yet although it could be related to his being a media practitioner or a former “confidential agent” of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

He said a gun-for-hire most likely pulled off the killing.

Jimena survived an attempt on his life in 2009, when he was also shot by an unidentified man near the Malogo Bridge in Victorias City, according to police records.

Guisihan said Jimena’s murder may only be declared solved if the motive and mastermind are ascertained, and with the apprehension of the two suspects.

A radio block-timer, Jimena reportedly criticized politicians or perceived political rivals of his patrons.

Three media groups have offered P600,000 cash reward for information leading to his killers’ arrest.

SP oks Barangay workers insurance, OFW council

By PIA press release


BACOLOD CITY, September 10 (PIA) -- Barangay workers in Bacolod City are set to be covered with hospital, life, and accident insurance after the Sangguniang Panlunsod approved the proposal during its recent session. OFWs will also enjoy better services as the SP approved the one-stop OFW Coordinating Council. Covered in the insurance plan proposed by Councilor Caesar Distrito, are barangay officials, tanods, and barangay health and lupon personnel in recognition of their services and sacrifices in serving the barangay and its residents. Meanwhile, Councilor Sonya Verdeflor’s proposal for a One-stop OFW Coordinating Council aims to coordinate the initiatives of concerned stakeholders in addressing the psycho-social, moral and economic concerns of Bacolod OFWs and their families, and to ensure the positive impacts of migration on their part and on the part of the community. The One-stop OFW Coordinating Council will facilitate the services of the LGU, DepEd, DFA, DOLE, DOJ, NBI, DSSD, DTI, OWWA, PESO POEA, and TESDA. It will also facilitate other necessary services and counselling by NGO and church-based organizations and people’s organizations for OFWs and families. The move aims to develop and maintain a data base on OFWs and families and with the intervention of various agencies to conduct relevant research for the acquisition of positive impact of migration. Furthermore, it also seeks to integrate the various programs and services of government and NGOs and other stakeholders and serve as clearing house of all programs and services for OFWs and families in Bacolod. (CMO-PIO-LOL/JCM/-PIA6)

City Council okays insurance for barangay officials, workers

By Carla N. Canet


THE Bacolod City Council on Wednesday passed on third and final reading the proposed ordinance which provides hospital, accident and life insurance to all barangay officials, tanods (watchmen), barangay health workers and Lupon members.

Councilor Caesar Z. Distrito, author of the ordinance, said barangay officials of Bacolod City will be provided with hospital, accident and life insurance given that they are always at the forefront of public service that made them prone to accidents and troubles.

He said with the approval of the ordinance, the city will create a screening committee that will supervise the processing and evaluation of the insurance to the beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, Councilor Archie Baribar, who also supported the ordinance, cited his reservations, stating that this might be applicable only for a year considering budget requirement.

Bacolod City Receives Seal Of Good Housekeeping Award

By Negros Daily Bulletin Headlines


The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) has pinned Bacolod City the Seal of Good HouseKeeping Award defeating other cities in the Region 6. Out of 138 cities in the country, only 43 cities were recognized by DILG for such SEAL AWARD, wherein Bacolod City is one of them, after a rigid comprehensive monitoring and evalutation of the DILG.

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia said, "this award as absolutely rewarding and inspiring. This isthe latest award of the city that will push us to do more to bolder performance."

The Seal project of DILG aims to recognize Local Government Units with good governance performance in internal housekeeping particularly in four (4) areas, namely Good Planning; Sound Fiscal Management; Transparency and Accountability; and Valuing of Performance Monitoring.

Focus of DILG testing was in key governance areas of planning, budgeting, revenue mobilization, financial management and budget execution, procurement, and resource mobilization.

"The results of the rigid evaluation of the DILG is another validation that indeed Bacolod City is among the LGUs with sound local government practices. While other prestigious and credible agencies and organizations have already recognized the growth and fast development of our city, this time, it is no less than the competent authority in local governance that has officially given us its stamp of approval", Leonardia emphasized.

Bacolod City was was also a recipient of numerous awards and recognition. Few of these were: identified by the Asian Institute of Management, German Technical Cooperation (GTZ), and the United States Agency for International Development as Number 2 among the "Ten Growth Centers of the Philippines", while the Commission on Information and Communications Technology, Department of Trade and Industry, and the Business Process Outsourcing Association of the Philippines ranked the city Number 3 of the "Ten Next Wave Cities".

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry also recognized Bacolod as "The Most Business-Friendly City in the Philippines" a few years back.* (EBColmo)

Environmental firm not seen since Irisan tragedy

By JM Agreda


THE Bacolod City Council was baffled Monday after waste solution firm Protech Machineries did not attend for the second time the Council's session on the Irisan trash slide.

Protech is contracted by the city to provide Environmental Recycling System (ERS) thought to solve the city’s garbage woes, particularly on biodegradable wastes.

Instead, Protech, through its vice-president Luis Arquiza Lu Jr., submitted to the Council a report on the problems besetting their facility at the Irisan dumpsite, its effects on their operations and in hauling the city’s residual trash.

Councilor Perlita Chan–Rondez questioned the company's absence and alleged they might be running away from their obligations, especially in hauling the city’s residual wastes for free, as stipulated in their agreement with the City Government.

In its report, Protech cited eight setbacks to their operations, which include discovery of nuts, bearings and huge rocks in its reactors; looting of one of the boiler motors; removal of fan belt of the ERS cooling tower; delay in procurement of supply fuel and boiler inputs; leaks from the roof endangering the ERS control panel from short circuits; and not enough manpower to work on the ERS.

Councilor Peter Fianza, meanwhile, said the city should not have focused its efforts in the acquisition of the ERS machines and instead pushed for better segregation, composting of biodegradables and coming up with material recovery facilities while searching of site for an engineered sanitary landfill is being conducted.

Because of Protech’s absence, other councilors focused their investigation on other resource speakers from the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources, Health, and the Interior and Local Government, City Engineer’s Office and City Environment Parks Management Office (Cepmo).

City Environment Parks Management Officer Cordelia Lacsamana said Protech has been cooperative with the city's requests in hauling the city's trash and in the operation of the ERS machines.

She said the company tried hauling the city's residual wastes to their facility in Carmen West, Pangasinan, but discovered most of the contents of the trash were biodegradable wastes.

Protech, in its report, cited presence of biodegradable wastes in their residual haul has caused them complaints from neighboring establishments due to the foul odor these wastes emit.

According to Lacsamana, the Irisan dumpsite should have been closed in 2008 and was only done in 2009.

Lacsamana said they have to come up with an intensified approach in the collection of garbage since residents are still having a hard time in segregation, adding a "no segregation, no collection" policy may bring another garbage problem to the city.

The Council, on the other hand, said Protech should address the hauling issues otherwise it will have to pay P2,500 per ton a day for every uncollected residual wastes, as stipulated in its agreement with the city.

Leonardia to Lizares: I can’t go down to your level

by Carla N. Canet


BACOLOD City Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia on Monday said he do not speak the same language and cannot go down to Rocky Lizares's level.

Leonardia said he has not met anyone with that kind of mentality and education, in his long years of experience in politics, like Lizares.

Leonardia said Lizares, one of DAALCO Waiting Station owners and member of the Affected Libertad Stakeholders Alliance (Alsa), has been critical to the city’s implementation of City Ordinance No. 187, which transferred the southbound mini buses to Sambok, Lopez Jaena.

Lizares no longer also considers the use of the waiting station but instead used the side streets of Mabini as loading and unloading zones of the southbound mini buses, Lizares added.

Nevertheless, his lawyers have advised and they will be the ones to make sure that Lizares will have his day in court.

He added that, “as a Bacoleño, who was born here and grew up here, I am saddened that a respected name before, the Lizares who are honorable and being looked up to in the city – have right now a member of their family who is this kind of a person. I hope the Lizares family would take cognizance of that because I think he is a discredit to their clan.”

Earlier, Lizares questioned the orders made by Mayor Leonardia and Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson relative to the use of Mabini Street as the mini buses waiting areas that further defeated the purpose of City Ordinance No. 187 which is to decongest traffic at Libertad.

Lizares said that the city’s interpretation of a waiting station is either a terminal and or in the streets that exposes the passengers to dangers as mini buses’ doors were located at the right portion.

He further believes that the ordinance worsens the situation and even slowed down the economic life of Libertad.

Lizares said that this is the result of the request of Ricardo Yanson to the City officials to transfer the terminal to his terminal so that he can monopolize the transport industry in the city and province.

He considered it as an unfair competition where the small operators have to survive also. The law is made and should be made to serve public welfare and not the interest of only one person.

He consistently invited Leonardia and Sayson to come to Libertad and see for themselves the situation.

Bacolod receives 700 workbooks

Published in the Sun.Star Bacolod newspaper o


REX Bookstore Inc. On Friday turned over to the City Government some 700 workbooks, through Ma. Teresa ‘Baby’ Lacson, at the Vista Alegre Elementary School (Vaes) covered court.

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia; Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson; Councilor Homer Bais, who chairs the Committee on Education; and Public School District supervisor Gemma Ledesma, CESO V graced the event.

The book donation comprised of Mathematics, English, Filipino and Science workbooks expected to benefit pupils from the preparatory to Grade 6.

Flordilyn Apua, REX Bookstore Bacolod branch supervisor, said Baby Lacson was the one who asked Don Timothy Buhain, REX Bookstore president, if he could donate books for the pupils of Vaes.

Apua said REX Bookstore always extends help to education and that it also provides structural materials to instill good and quality education among students.

Jose Leandro de Leon, grandson of Lacson and Vista Alegre, Youth Council chairman said the donation is one of his family’s ways of showing their continuous support to the school. (CNC)

Marathon: Bacolod Milo elimination on Sept. 25

(PNA) scs/LOR


BACOLOD CITY, Sept. 2 (PNA) -- After two years, the national Milo Marathon will hold an elimination race in Bacolod City on Sept. 25 with the runners taking off from the Bacolod Government Center here.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson were named as honorary chairmen of the race.

Now on its 35th year, the Milo Marathon will further strengthen the city’s sports tourism program.

Race director is Franklin Echevarria who said they are expecting some 8,000 runners to join the marathon, including foreigners as the Milo race has already become an international event.

Runners who will join the event will take the route from the Government Center to Villa San Agustin for the 3K distance, Riverwalk Subdivision for 5K, Sta. Fe Resort for 10K and Boys' Home in Alangilan for 21K, and will end back to NGC.

A registration fee of P100 and a 20g empty sachet of Milo will be required from those who will join the 3K and 5K distances and P500 and 20g empty sachet of Milo for 10K and 21K runners. Entry forms will be on a first-come, first- served basis

COUNCILOR SAYS-Bredco must pay higher rent to city

BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO

Bacolod Councilor Al Victor Espino yesterday said the city should negotiate for an upward adjustment, or increase, in the port rental from the Bacolod Real Estate Development Authority since its Internal Revenue Allotment will be reduced next year due to the creation of 16 new cities.

Espino, chairman of the Committees on Appropriations and Finance, and Ways and Means, has proposed a resolution urging the mayor to initiate or commence the renegotiation of the upward adjustment with BREDCO as mandated in the Comprehensive Revised Reclamation Agreement.

The increase in the port rental is one of the issues to be discussed in the executive-legislative caucus.

Mayor Evelio Leonardia has requested Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson to postpone the executive-legislative caucus requested by the Sangguniang Panlungsod next week.

He said he has not yet received the resolution but will act accordingly after an evaluation is made by the legal department.

Espino said that, as stated in the CRRA, the upward adjustment should be made every five years.

This is without prejudice to the outcome of the pending case of the takeover ordinance that was issued an injunction by the Court, he said.

Espino also said that, since 1995, BREDCO has been paying the city only P800,000 a year, or about P70,000-P80,000 a month.

In 2007, the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsiod inquired from the Philippine Ports Authority about the income of BREDCO and PRA showed them a document showing that in 2006, BREDCO stipulated that its income from port operation was P148 million, he said.

Espino said that, as part of the re-negotiating team at that time, they were batting for 12 percent of that amount, or about P16 million to P17 million a year. However, negotiations were stalled because BREDCO had a lower counter-offer which the city did not accept, he said.

“I think we are on the right track, because the IRA of the city will be reduced next year” and the city should act to assert its right since BREDCO is now reaping the benefits of the port operation and the sale of the properties at the Reclamation Area, Espino said.

He added that they hope BREDCO will understand that they are only after what is due to the city.

Also to be discussed during the executive-legislative caucus are the proposed suspension of toll fees, the Deed of Conveyance involving 19 hectares at the Reclamation Area which the Philippine Reclamation Authority is turning over to the city; the operation of the finger port which the PRA says has no authorization, and an update on the cases involving the reclamation project.

Councilor Caesar Distrito has also proposed a resolution urging the city mayor to take legal action to stop the collection of toll fees in the BREDCO-operated Bacolod City Port until it is authorized by the city government, based on the recommendation of the PRA.

Meanwhile, Espino said the 19 hectares that the PRA will be transferring to the city still lacks three hectares of prime property. What was turned over to the city were mostly covered road lots, he said.*CGS

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