2 Negrenses ordered
arrested with Jinggoy
BY CARLA GOMEZ

The Sandiganbayan fifth division yesterday issued  arrest warrants against Senator Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada for his plunder and graft charges in connection with the “pork barrel” scam, and his co-accused, who include two Negrenses.

The Negrense co-accused of Estrada in his plunder case who was also ordered arrested was  Pauline Labayen, his former deputy chief of staff.

Among his co-accused in the graft case was Allan Javellana, former president of the National Agribusiness Corp., who is also from Negros Occidental.

Guv: Roxas presence a ‘good sign’
BY CARLA GOMEZ

The presence of Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas at the Negros Island Region consultation meeting at the provincial Capitol in Bacolod City that starts 9 a.m. today is a good sign, Negros Occidental Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. said yesterday.

“I think it is a very good sign that he wants to hear the pros and cons” of the proposed Negros Island region, he said.

The governor said that when Roxas hears all the advantages of the move, he thinks he will recommend its creation to the president.

Murcia ‘healing’ rift
BY CARAL GOMEZ

Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra will celebrate mass at the Immaculate Conception Parish Church in Murcia, Negros Occidental, at 3 p.m. today in what is seen as a step towards healing a rift between the town officials and parish priests of the town.

Navarra officiated over a dialog between the town officials and the priests Friday and it appears that both parties are putting their differences and misunderstanding aside to work for the good of Murcia, a source said.

A rift between the two Catholic priests -- Parish Priest Greg Patiño and Parochial Vicar Fr. Agustin Hinayan, and the town officials of Murcia was triggered by a word war over the manner in which a fight against illegal drugs and gambling in Murcia was being waged by the clergymen.