INC backs Ledesma,
three Alvarezes, too
BY CARLA GOMEZ

More candidates in Negros Occidental were endorsed by the Iglesia ni Cristo yesterday.

They were re-electionist representatives Mercedes Alvarez (NPC) – sixth district, and Julio Ledesma IV (NPC) – first district, who both thanked the INC leaders for their support.

Rep. Alvarez said the INC also endorsed the candidacy of her brothers Genaro Rafael Alvarez, who is running for mayor of Ilog, and his running mate, John Paul Alvarez.

5 Negros rallies draw 60,000,
victory ‘unstoppable’ - Lim-ao
BY GILBERT BAYORAN

The campaign sorties of Nationalist People’s Coalition gubernatorial candidate Genaro Alvarez Jr. and his running mate, Eugenio Jose Lacson, yesterday drew a crowd totaling about 60,000 to the rallies they held in the cities of San Carlos and Victorias, La Castellana, EB Magalona and Murcia, Negros Occidental, organizers said.

Alvarez said that, based on the huge crowds that have always attended their campaigns sorties since last month, he may conclude that their victory is “clear as the skies”. “This can be translated into a winnable strength come election day,” he added.

Rep. Alfredo Benitez, Liberal Party provincial chairman, joined Alvarez in the Victorias City and Murcia “miting de avances” last night, that had skipped EB Magalona, while Lacson also joined Alvarez in campaign sorties in EB Magalona and La Castellana, before proceeding to a similar rally in San Carlos City.

17 Neg. Occ. PCOS
machines defective
BY CARLA GOMEZ

The Commission on Elections conducted the final testing and sealing of Precinct Count Optical Scan machines in the 32 towns and cities of Negros Occidental yesterday, and found 17 defective and in need of immediate replacement, Provincial Elections Supervisor Wil Arceño said.

The 17 defective PCOS machines reported were in San Carlos City, 4; Hinigaran, 3; Sagay and Isabela, 2 each, and one each in Toboso, Bacolod, Talisay, Victorias, La Carlota and Cauayan, he said.

He said the defective machines will be recalled and replacements will be sent in from the COMELEC head office in Manila.