Bishop: Let’s pray
for truth, goodwill
AT IMPEACHMENT TRIAL
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra yesterday called on the Filipino people to pray that the truth and goodwill will prevail as the impeachment trial against Chief Justice Renato Corona begins.

Let us also pray that all contending parties act according to the truth and in the best interest of the country, the bishop said.

The matter is so confusing, taking sides at this point will not do any good until we hear what both sides have to say and know the truth, he said.

The Philippine Army will religiously implement the 18-day unilateral ceasefire with the communist New People’s Army in Negros that starts today, in the observance of the yuletide season, military commander Col. Oscar Lactao said.

Lactao, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander, however, said the suspension of military operations will not prevent them from placing themselves in a “defensive mode”.

The government traditionally declares a ceasefire with the NPA during the Christmas season, although the period varies. This yuletide season, the unilateral truce, recommended by the Department of National Defense and approved by President Benigno Aquino III, starts Dec. 16 and ends Jan. 2 next year.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City once again won the Excellence in Local Legislation, City Category in the 2011 Regional Search for Excellence in Local Governance Award (EXCELL) from the Department of Interior and Local Government Region VI.

The Bacolod SP represented by Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson received a plaque of recognition and a check for P10,000 from DILG regional director Evelyn Trompeta yesterday in Iloilo City.

In 2010, SP Bacolod also won the award as the Best Performing City, in the City Category for the Excellence in Local Legislation Award.