Saratan takes oath
as Talisay mayor
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Eric Saratan took his oath as mayor of Talisay City before Gov. Joseph Marañon at the Provincial Capitol in Bacolod City yesterday.

Saratan, who was vice mayor of Talisay, assumed the post of mayor following the death of Anthony Lizares, 39, who succumb to end stage liver disease Monday.

Saratan was accompanied by his fiancée, Sheila Yap, first councilor and incoming vice mayor Neil Lizares III, and the Talisay City councilors during the oathtaking rites.

Vresco board
suspends ass't manager
BY NANETTE GUADALQUIVER

The Board of Directors of the Victorias-Manapla-Cadiz Rural Electric Services Cooperative yesterday ordered the suspension of the VRESCO assistant general manager and finance manager, Antonio Magno Jr., for 30 days effective immediately.

Director Ernesto Pilla told the DAILY STAR the decision was reached based on the results of the National Electrification Administration audit report, which outlined questionable actions of the VRESCO management from years 2002 to 2005.

He said that during the board's meeting yesterday morning, upon the motion of Director Jane Benedicto, five out of nine members voted for Magno's suspension.

Bishops won't back
ConAss, Navarra says
BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO

Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra.*

The bishops will not favor a Constituent Assembly and will always protest against what will be adverse for the good of the country, Bacolod Bishop Vicente Navarra said yesterday.

Navarra, who is attending the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines meeting in Manila on Jan. 23, said all the bishops understand that the Constituent Assembly is not favorable to the people.

He said that during the conference in Manila, they will discuss urgent issues about the situation in the Philippines.