Guv rejects SP invite for Capitol chiefs

By Florence F. Hibionada

Department heads invited by the 9th Iloilo Sanggunian Panlalawigan's (SP) Committee on Appropriations are guaranteed 'no-shows' in the seven-day marathon budget hearing.

With the current year's 20% Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) up for discussion, Governor Niel Tupas Sr. through top aide Manuel Mejorada disapproved the permission sought.

Ivatan joins Dinagyang to promote Batanes tourism

By Maricar M. Calubiran

Being adjudged as the country's best tourism event, Dinagyang Festival has attracted even the northernmost province of Batanes to have their place promoted by joining the celebration.

A.CHRIS FERNANDEZ

Casual and “job hire” workers of the provincial government trooped to the Iloilo Provincial Capitol yesterday to sign a letter of appeal, addressed to Vice Governor Rolex Suplico and the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, asking for the retention of budget allocation intended for their salaries and wages.

Molo district gears for 'Sadsad sa Parian'

Sta. Ana Parish in Molo district will hold the "Sadsad sa Parian" in honor of Señor Sto. Niño this coming January 17-20, 2008.

ILOILO NEWS

21 guards involved in Boracay shootout under probe

Disputes over prized lots on the world-famous Boracay Island turned violent on Monday when a former soldier was shot dead and a 15-year old boy was wounded in a confrontation over a piece of property on the island.

Tribes assure no 'disruption' on Dinagyang highlights

Managers of the four tribes that were earlier reported to have threatened to disrupt the highlights of the Dinagyang Festival in protest of their non-inclusion in the tribes subsidy have assured their full support and commitment for the success of the celebration.

Only six tribes to vie in Kasadyahan contest

Six groups will compete in Dinagyang festival's Kasadyahan contest after two tribes have backed out. The two tribes that withdrew their participation from the contest were from Tigbauan, Iloilo and from the St. Clement's group.

SK prexy slams guv's sons for 'swift injustice' on uncle-cop

If yesterday's 'performance' of Ex-Officio Board Member Guisseppe Karl Gumban is to be considered, the 9th Iloilo Sanggunian Panlalawigan (SP) is up for more fiery speeches.

Guv OK's Garin-backed projects

A total of 25 checks were distributed yesterday by First District Board Member Richard Garin to various barangay and school officials.

PANAY NEWS

DOTC: Gov't to close old Bacolod airport

Bacolod City -- The Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) said the old Bacolod Airport will be closed after the last evening flight on January 17, 2008.

PhilHealth denies MOA with Bacolod hospital

Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) denies the report that it was a signatory to a Memorandum of Agreement forged between a media organization and a certain hospital for the former to avail the benefits of PhilHealth.

Ateneo de Iloilo launches Golden Jubilee Car Plate

To mark 50 years of the Ignatian spirit of service, love and excellence in Iloilo, the Ateneo de Iloilo-SMCS Alumni Association (AAA), headed by its President, Atty. Jobert A. Peñaflorida, is pleased to announce the approval of its special commemorative Golden Jubilee car plates.

COLUMNS

		Bonafide Text Be beautiful By Nicfranz C. de los Reyes

		Serendipity The Uncoy Mistress By Joanne Marie Combong-Pijuan

		Accents Thankyou for reading (2) By Julia Carreon-Lagoc

		Bridging the gap Early traits of the Ilonggo-Bisaya By Prof. Henry Funtecha

		Blogger Enjoying the holidays By Kathy M. Villalon

		Consumers Domain Twelve 2007 issues, Twelve wishes for 2008 By Ian M. Seruelo