Thomas visit cut short,
to return for MassKara
BY CARLA GOMEZ

US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Saturday stressed the continuing ties of his country with Negros Occidental through its sugar industry, while Mayor Evelio Leonardia briefed him on the potentials of Bacolod City as an investment haven.

Thomas, who paid courtesy calls on Negros Occidental officials led by Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. at the Capitol, and Bacolod officials led by Leonardia at the Government Center, in the morning was in town to attend the 3rd Bacolod Jazz Festival Saturday night.

He also had lunch Saturday with local artists at the Balay ni Tana Dicang in Talisay City.

Dismissal from service,  cancellation of eligibility, forfeiture of retirement  benefits, and perpetual disqualification for reemployment in the government service  were the penalties meted to the Secretary of the Sangguniang Panlungsod in Bacolod City by the Office of the Vice Mayor  for the  administrative case filed against him by Councilor Caesar Distrito.

Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson,  the SP disciplining authority,  in his decision dated February 16, 2011, found Nilo Alejandrino liable for grave misconduct, abuse of authority, conduct unbecoming and unprofessional conduct,  based on the complaint of Distrito.

Sayson based his decision on the report and recommendation dated Feb. 15, 2012 submitted by the Investigating Committee composed of Councilors Dindo Ramos, Homer Bais and Roberto Rojas.

Bells will peal at high noon and thanksgiving masses will be celebrated all day today,at the San Sebastian Cathedral in Bacolod City to mark the 31st anniversary of the historic visit of Pope John Paul II to the city.

At 5:15 p.m., the Pope John Paul II National Institute for Studies on Marriage and the Family will sponsor a concelebrated thanksgiving mass at the cathedral to close the Totus Tuus! Week celebrations that began February 13.

The JP II Tower at the reclaimed area will open a prayer room dedicated to the former pope, now considered “Blessed” by the Catholic world, which is a step away from sainthood.