Devise measures to moderate the prices of sugar, Arroyo says.*

Sugar Regulatory Administrator Rafael Coscolluela yesterday said a new sugar allocation order will be issued soon to address the rising retail prices of sugar and the tight domestic supply.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, in her speech before the regional workshop on the Establishment of National Human Rights Institutions in Asia in Manila yesterday, said she has ordered the departments of Trade and Industry and Agriculture to devise measures to moderate the prices of flour and sugar.

She said this should be done in consultation with industry and Sretail associations, producers, distributors and retailers.

GMA wants Cha-cha
for federalism
BY CARLA GOMEZ

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo yesterday announced that she has ordered the drafting of a roadmap to federalism by 2012 through Charter change.

Negros Occidental Acting Gov. Isidro Zayco said he welcomes the move provided federalism is implemented by province and not by region.

Federalism is a system of government in which sovereignty is constitutionally divided between a central governing authority and constituent political units, like regions or provinces. It is the system in which the power to govern is shared between the national and state governments, creating what is often called a federation.

Bing: STL stand premature;
I will not allow it - Monico
BY NANETTE GUADALQUIVER & CHRYSEE SAMILLANO

Mayor Evelio Leonardia said yesterday he believes it is premature to come up with an official statement on Small Time Lottery, but Bacolod Rep. Monico Puentevella reiterated he will do everything to prevent the operations of the STL in the city.

The matter is still pending with the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod, Leonardia said.

The solon, however, stressed: "I will not allow it. They will have to wait until I'm no longer congressman."