NEGRENSES URGED
‘Say no to martial law’
BY CARLA GOMEZ

The Filipino people should stand up and oppose President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s declaration of martial law in Maguindanao because it sets a dangerous precedent for the entire nation, Fr. Felix Pasquin, rector of the San Sebastian Cathedral in Bacolod City, said yesterday.

Pasquin appealed to the people to unite and speak in one voice against it at a mass for the 57 victims of the Maguindanao massacre, especially the 30 slain journalists, two of whom were from Negros Occidental, yesterday afternoon.

He said the priests of the Diocese of Bacolod are meeting today and may issue a collective statement on the matter, although he believes many of them share his sentiments.

Two Negros Occidental congressmen yesterday said they are in favor of President Gloria Arroyo’s declaration of martial law in Maguindanao, while five others said they will listen to the reasons for it before taking a stand.

Negros Occidental Gov. Isidro Zayco yesterday said he is not in favor of the declaration of martial law in Maguindanao because of the country’s bad experience with martial law under Ferdinand Marcos.

But Zayco said except for what he has read in the newspapers, he is not aware of all the reasons for the move by the president.

Lin-ay sang Negros, Vicky Marie Milagrosa Rushton, was crowned Miss Western Visayas Tourism 2009 in Capiz Saturday night, Negros Occidental Provincial Tourism Officer Jennylind Cordero said yesterday.

Rushton also received three major awards for Best in Gown, Best in Swimsuit and Best in Festival Costume, and two minor corporate awards as Miss Palmolive and Miss Meyers.

Crowned first runner-up is Miss Iloilo Dinagyang Natalie Grace Roberts, who was also awarded Best in Interview, and was also chosen as Miss Diet Coke.