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The National Federation of Sugarcane Planters is opposing the proposed amendments to the Biofuels Law, which will allow the temporary suspension of the mandated biofuels blend of bioethanol and biodiesel in fuels, if a certain price trigger point is reached, NFSP president Enrique D. Rojas, president said Tuesday, March 24.Under Senate Bill No. 1635, the President may suspend the implementation of the mandatory biofuels blend for a period not more than one year, if the price of the blended fuel exceeds by more than 5 percent of the price of pure gasoline or pure diesel.“The proposed amendment is anchored on the volatility of fuel prices amid the ongoing Middle East war, which shows no sign of de-escalation in the near future. While we understand the temporary price-based concer...

Mayor Greg Gasataya meeting with the members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Association Tuesday afternoon.*BCCO photoMayor Greg Gasataya gathered members of the Tricycle Operators and Drivers’ Association (TODA) at the Bacolod City Government Center (BCGC) lobby Tuesday afternoon, March 24, to discuss the application process for a fuel subsidy amid rising fuel prices affecting all drivers.“We requested this meeting to compile a comprehensive database and to have all TODA presidents verify their members’ lists. The DSWD has provided guidelines on how to apply for the fuel subsidy,” Gasataya explained.He stressed the importance of submitting a complete and verified list of members to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) before the deadline, as this is c...

Rice farmers in Cauayan, Negros Occidental.* Ronnie Baldonado file photoThe Department of Agriculture (DA) on Tuesday, March 24, announced the possible release of the P10 billion Presidential Assistance for Farmers and Fisherfolk (PAFF) to registered farmers and fishers starting April 6.Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. disclosed the timeline during the Senate committee hearing on the Proactive Response and Oversight for Timely and Effective Crisis Strategy (PROTECT) amid surging fuel prices due to the ongoing tensions in the Middle East.Tiu Laurel said they are eyeing to start releasing the PAFF after the Holy Week, following the commitment of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM)."Hopefully by the week of April 6. We are just waiting for the SARO (S...

The protesting drivers in Bacolod City on Monday.* Romeo Subaldo  photo  Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya assured protesting public transportation drivers on Monday, March 23, that he will raise their call for the equitable distribution of aid to all—amid soaring fuel prices—before the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) in order to find solutions. The drivers held a protest near the flyover at Barangay Bata in Bacolod City and a caravan to the Bacolod City Government Center, where their leaders held a dialog with Gasataya to air their grievances and seek his help. The Monday morning protest failed to totally cripple public transportation in Bacolod City, as modern and some traditional jeepneys...

The Bacolod City Sangguniang Panlungsod is urging the national government to accelerate the development and implementation of renewable and alternative energy programs in response to rising global oil prices, Councilor Caesar Distrito said on Monday, March 23.The SP resolution, authored by Distrito, cites the country’s continued dependence on imported oil, which exposes the Philippine economy to external shocks, particularly amid ongoing geopolitical tensions affecting global fuel supply.“Fuel price volatility directly impacts the daily lives of our people, from higher transportation fares to increased food and commodity prices. This is a systemic issue that requires long-term solutions,” Distrito said.The measure calls on the national government, through the Department of Ene...

Transport group leaders announcing the staging of the strike at a press conference on Saturday.*Transport groups are staging a strike Monday, March 23, to demand fair and immediate distribution of government aid to all drivers, and for government measures to bring down fuel prices.The Police Regional Office Negros Island Region (PRO NIR), through the Bacolod City Police Office, has activated comprehensive security preparations for the strike, while Mayor Greg Gasataya announced that the city government will provide free rides for stranded passengers.Joining the protest are members of the United Negros Drivers and Operators Center-Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (UNDOC-PISTON), Bacolod Alliance for Commuters Operators Drivers Negros Island-Manibela (BA...

The waterway obstructions.*More than 80 owners of houses located at the Mambuloc Creek in Barangay 10, Bacolod City, have been served with notices to voluntarily remove illegal structures encroaching on the waterway. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) workers are struggling to desilt the creek because parts of these houses are obstructing their path. Retired PCol. Levy Pangue, head of the City Legal Office Enforcement Team, said on Friday, March 20, that among the notices issued, was for the removal of a house right in the middle of the creek. He clarified that only the house extensions obstructing the waterway are being removed by the DPWH. There is an immediate need to remove the structures that block the waterway, the DPWH said. Pangue said that the DPWH heavy equipment c...

Protesting drivers in Bacolod City calling for subsidy for all.*Richard Caballero photoThe Department of Social Welfare and Development will start distributing aid to public transportation drivers in Negros Island soon, with another large increase in fuel prices expected next week. Public transportation drivers in Negros will receive P5,000 each under the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program, DSWD NIR Director Arwin Razo said on Friday, March 20. The distribution in Metro Manila is being completed. It is expected to start in the Negros after Holy Week, Razo said. Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) – NIR Director Gerry Llena reminded public transportation drivers not to charge fare hikes. They should not charge more than what is allowed under th...

Vallacar Transit Inc. (VTI), operator of Ceres buses, announced on Thursday, March 19, that it has called off its implementation of fare increases across all its routes nationwide. The VTI announcement came a day after President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the suspension of fare hikes, “In my opinion, because we still have problems due to the war in the Middle East, I said maybe this is not the time to raise fares for our countrymen,” Marcos said. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) had initially granted a provisional fare hike for provincial public utility buses effective March 14. VTI said that, in compliance with the president’s directive, it will operate at the “previous fare rates, with no increases implemented.” Jade Marquez, VTI Media Relations Officer,...

Protestors in Bacolod are calling for the removal of tax on fuel.* Richard Caballero Jr. photoA leader of a transport group that staged a protest in Bacolod City on Thursday, March 19, said they agree with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s order to suspend a planned fare hike because it would be insufficient to address the crippling effects of rising fuel costs. Rodulfo Gardoce Jr., chairperson of the United Negros Drivers and Operators Center-Pagkakaisa ng mga Samahan ng Tsuper at Operator Nationwide (UNDOC-PISTON), said a measly fare hike of P1 to P2 would not provide a long-term solution. They are instead calling on the president to immediately suspend the excise tax and Value Added Tax (VAT) on fuel to bring down pump prices, he said. UNDOC-PISTON staged a protest in front of the no...