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Deputy Speaker and Bacolod Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez*QUEZON CITY– Deputy Speaker and Bacolod Lone District Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) are expected to push through as scheduled, even though the issue was not mentioned in President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s fifth State of the Nation Address.Speaking to reporters after the SONA on Monday, July 27, Benitez said the latest position of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) points to the elections proceeding as planned.According to Benitez, DILG Secretary Jonvic Remulla earlier said the reasons previously cited for postponing the BSKE no longer exist.“Decision is to continue the BSKE. Considering the reasons to delay are not anymore...

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. delivering his fifth State of the Nation Address.*RTVM photoQUEZON CITY-- President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. opened his fifth State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, July 27, by returning to the issue he first raised a year ago,  corruption in flood control projects, before laying out a wide-ranging agenda that included tax relief, cheaper electricity, disaster resilience, education, health care, energy security, and the country’s stand on the West Philippine Sea.Speaking for about one hour and 30 minutes before lawmakers at the Batasang Pambansa, Marcos said the government had conducted an extensive investigation into questionable flood control projects, resulting in cases filed against contractors, senior Department of Public Works and Highw...

The protest in Bacolod City Monday afternoon.*Ronnie Baldonado photoAbout 2,000 protesters staged a “SONA ng Bayan” in Bacolod City ahead of President Ferdinand Marcos’ State of the Nation Address on Monday afternoon, July 27.The protesters, under the banner of the Taumbayan Ayaw sa Magnanakaw at Abusado Network Alliance (TAMA NA), marched from North Capitol Road to the Bacolod City Government Center replica beside the Bacolod City Public Plaza to air gripes over the “current ills of the nation.”Fr. Armando Onion, TAMA NA convenor, said all those involved in corruption should be made answerable and President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. should explain what he has done to solve the problem.Vice President Sara Duterte must also be held accountable for the accusations of corruption hu...

The house where the stabbing occured*PNP photoA 33-year-old woman was stabbed dead by an unidentified person inside her home in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, early Sunday morning, July 26.The incident happened at around 2:30 a.m. in Sitio Dangalon, Brgy. Hilamonan, the Kabankalan police reported.Police said the victim’s husband had just returned from working as a tricycle driver when he heard their children crying and calling for help.He entered the house and found his wife seated on the floor and covered in blood.The victim was rushed to the Lorenzo D. Zayco District Hospital but was declared dead.Hospital examination showed that she sustained multiple stab wounds in different parts of her body.The couple’s daughter told investigators that she woke up aft...

The NCCA Visayas Cluster Roadshow in Bacolod City on Monday.*Ronnie Baldonado photoThe National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) brought its Visayas Cluster Roadshow and Technical Assistance to Bacolod City on Monday, July 27,   to equip regional cultural stakeholders for its upcoming 2027 Competitive Grants Program.The roadshow, held at to Citadines Hotel,  served as a regional outreach activity to guide artists, cultural workers, researchers, local government units (LGUs), non-government organizations, and educational institutions through the grant application process ahead of the August 31 submission deadline.The Commission invites proposals for projects that promote, preserve, develop, and share Philippine arts and culture.Implemented through th...

The Land Transportation Office-Negros Island Region (LTO-NIR) has issued a show cause order against the Bacolod Traffic and Transport Management Department (BTTMD) over the alleged counterflow of a government vehicle in Bacolod City.LTO-NIR said the show cause order was served at the Bacolod City Government Center on Friday, July 24, as part of its administrative investigation.The action stemmed from a photo circulating on social media showing a vehicle bearing government license plates and BTTMD markings allegedly counterflowing on a public road in violation of traffic regulations.According to LTO-NIR, the show cause order was received by BTTMD personnel and forms part of the agency’s investigation to determine accountability and ensure due process.The agency stressed that...

Negros Occidental Schools Division Superintendent Gladys Amylaine Sales gives a message to the 100 public school teachers promoted under the Expanded Career Progression System.*DepEd photoSome 100 public school teachers under the Department of Education (DepEd) Schools Division Office (SDO) of Negros Occidental, who were promoted under the Expanded Career Progression (ECP) System, renewed their commitment to service during their oathtaking on Monday, July 27.Schools Division Superintendent Gladys Amylaine Sales, who administered the oath in a ceremony held at the SDO grounds here, said the approval of their reclassification recognizes the educators’ dedication, competence and commitment to excellence in public service.The 100 teachers include 65 who were reclassified to Teacher...

 Mayor Greg Gasataya officially welcomed the 408 new beneficiaries of the 2026 PESO Bacolod City Scholarship Program during the scholars' orientation at the Bacolod City Government Center lobby on Saturday, July 25.The new batch joins the city's 749 existing scholars, bringing the total number of scholars currently supported by the Bacolod City Government to 1,157.Organized by the Public Employment Service Office (PESO), the orientation familiarized the scholars with the program's guidelines, documentary requirements, and their responsibilities as recipients of the city's educational assistance. Gasataya also distributed and signed the scholars' Certificates of Scholarship, which officially certify them as beneficiaries of the city's scholarship program. The certifica...