Multiple measures set
to drive oil prices down
DOE HEARING SEPT. 13
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Multiple  measures will be taken to compel oil firms to further bring down the prices of fuel in Negros Occidental, which will include filing  charges against those found to be overpricing and engaging in cartelization, Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District), said last night.

Department of Energy officials are set to arrive in Negros Occidental on September 13 to conduct a hearing for the creation of an Oil Price Watchdog Task Force in the province to monitor oil price violations and to file the charges as stipulated in the Oil Deregulation Law, Benitez said.

The task force will be composed of the DOE, local government officials and stakeholders, he added.

Coscolluela now
Capitol consultant
BY GILBERT BAYORAN

Former Negros Occidental Gov. Rafael Coscolluela is back at the Capitol.

Coscolluela, who served as governor of Negros Occidental for nine years, excluding his stint as vice governor, has been hired by Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. as a consultant on investment and promotions, trade and export development and inter-agency coordination.

The appointment of Coscolluela, who had run for governor of Negros Occidental against Marañon during the 2010 elections, was unanimously approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan during its regular session yesterday, on motion of Board Member Alain Gatuslao.

Napoles surrenders

Janet Lim Napoles, the businesswoman implicated in the P10 billion pork barrel scam, surrendered to President Benigno Aquino III last night.

Napoles, who is wanted on charges of serious illegal detention arising from the alleged kidnapping of Benhur Luy, surrendered  at about 9:37 p.m., a statement issued by the Office of the Presidential Spokesperson said.

"The President turned her (Napoles) over to the custody of Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas and Philippine National Police (PNP) Director-General Alan Purisima for processing and booking," the statement added.