The seven Negros Occidental solons have banded together to file a joint resolution, in aid of legislation, for a House probe into the importation of sugar in the guise of premixes and High Fructose Corn Syrup  which, they said, has prejudiced the sugar industry.

Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri had earlier filed a resolution in the Senate seeking an investigation on the reported technical smuggling of sugar, which has resulted in losses to government revenues.

Reps. Jeffrey Ferrer, Alfredo Marañon III, Ignacio Arroyo and Alfredo Abelardo Benitez, Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. and Daniel Lacson Jr., Government Service Insurance System chairman, yesterday met with sugar industry leaders and members of the multi-sectoral group, Sugar Watch, to discuss the problem of Coca-Cola’s importation of sugar in the guise of premixes.

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia yesterday invited the members of the graduating class of the San Beda College Graduate Schools of Law, Business and Liturgy to look upon the cities outside Metro Manila as contributors to the development of the country, saying that the success of the local government units will contribute much to its growth and progress.

Leonardia, who spoke at the commencement exercises of San Beda that was held at the historic Abbey Church of Our Lady of Montserrat, said he was both surprised and honored at being invited to address the group that included some of the country’s most prestigious and successful practitioners.

Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) yesterday said the House Committee on Energy will conduct a hearing on complaints about high power rates of the Central Negros Electric Cooperative at the provincial Capitol in Bacolod City in the first week of August.

The hearing was originally set to tackle complaints of much higher fuel rates in Negros Occidental compared to other areas in the country, and he asked that the high costs of electricity be included, Benitez said.

The hearing will be presided over by Rep. Henedina Abad (Batanes), who heads the House Committee on Energy.