Guard up vs.
reds influencing polls
SAGAYNON FIRST GUNBAN VIOLATOR
BY CARLA GOMEZ

The Commission on Elections, Army and police Saturday vowed to keep a close watch on communist rebels and other armed groups to prevent them from unduly influencing the outcome of the October 28 barangay elections in Negros Occidental.

“We will not lower our guard,” Provincial Elections Supervisor Jessie Suarez said.

The Negros Occidental Joint Peace and Security Coordinating Center led by Suarez, Provincial Police director, Senior Supt. Milko Lirazan, and Col. Jon Aying, 303rd Infantry Brigade commander convened Saturday at the Capitol in Bacolod City.

Church sets anti-pork rally
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra is calling on Catholics in the Diocese of Bacolod and concerned citizens to join a rally at the Bacolod public plaza on October 14 for the protection of human life, promotion of good governance, and the total abolition of the pork barrel fund.

In a circular, the bishop also advised all priests to focus on the issue of the pork barrel scam to educate, enlighten and awaken the faithful in their homilies yesterday, and on October 6 and 13.

The rally on October 14 will start with a march at 1 p.m. from the Capitol Lagoon Park, Lupit Church and West Negros University in Bacolod City, he said.

2014 budget up
13%, Bing says
BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO

Bacolod  Rep. Evelio  Leonardia said yesterday that  the House approved Saturday  the 2014 national budget amounting to P2.268 trillion,   which is 13 percent  higher than this year's budget.

Leonardia said the Department on Education got the biggest slice with a budget of P281 billion; followed by the Department of Public Works and Highways with P200 billion, the Department of Interior and Local Government with P99 billion, among others.

 “Education would be a very good investment. I think it is a step towards a right direction as education is the greatest equalizer,” he said.