SP approves P198M
provincial dev’t fund
BY GILBERT BAYORAN

With two more regular sessions left before the new term of elected officials starts next month, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Negros Occidental finally approved Wednesday the 20 Percent Provincial Development Fund of P198 million, that had been delayed by questions and scrutiny from the majority of its members before the May 13 polls.

Board Member Salvador Escalante, chairperson of the SP committee on Finance and Appropriations, yesterday said the 20 percent development fund was unanimously approved during their regular session, presided over by Board Member Patrick Lacson, on mass motion and duly seconded by all board members present.

During the election period, board members allied with Vice Governor Genaro Alvarez wanted a list of itemized projects for the P198 million 20 Percent Development Fund, a move that had not been done in several decades, with Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. pointing out that only a lump sum requests for the development fund were submitted to the SP annually.

Manager of disco bar shot dead
BY SHIELA GELERA

The manager of a disco bar at the Goldenfield Commercial Complex in Bacolod City, was shot dead by two unidentified men in an eatery at Purok Gracia, Brgy. Singcang-Airport in Bacolod, at about 5:20 a.m. yesterday.

Melecio Endrinal, “alias Thunder”, 38, of Purok Villa, Brgy. Tangub in Bacolod, sustained gunshot wounds on his face, chest, and hands. He was brought to the Bacolod Adventist Medical Center, but died at about 7 a.m., Station 8 chief, Senior Insp. Charles Gever said.

Investigation conducted by Police Officer 2 Roberto Gaurana, showed, Endrinal, with three female companions, whose identities were withheld, went to the eatery, on board a motorcycle, to have breakfast.

We’re joining guv
inaugural rites: Lacson
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Vice Governor-elect Eugenio Jose Lacson yesterday said he and the rest of the newly elected “Love Negros” provincial officials are definitely joining Gov. Alfredo Marañon and his United Negros Alliance team at the oath-taking and inaugural rites at the Capitol in Bacolod City on June 29.

Lacson, who returned Wednesday from a two-week vacation in the United States, said, “Definitely we will join…it should be no other way.”

Marañon earlier said he is inviting all of the winning opposition bets in the May 13 polls to join him at the inauguration rites.