Moves to muzzle press,
civil liberties slammed
BY CARLA GOMEZ

The media, joined by a cross-section of society, gathered in front of the Fountain of Justice in Bacolod City last night to condemn and oppose what they called government attempts to muzzle press freedom and civil liberties through Proclamation 1017.

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter," was the message on pins worn by some participants that seemed to echo the sentiment of most of those who joined the protest vigil.

Among about 200 protestors, aside from the media, were government officials, members of civil society and civic clubs, students, non-government organizations, and militant groups wearing red and black to symbolize what they said was their "determination to fight on" and "mourning of the death of democracy."

But GMA says she's
lifting 1017 soon
BY CARLA GOMEZ

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday told the nation she will lift her state of national emergency declaration at the earliest possible time, but continued to draw flak from protestors in Bacolod City for issuing Proclamation 1017.

In a televised address to the nation, the president said she has given Defense Secretary Avelino Cruz, Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez and Philippine National Police Director General Arturo Lumibao 24 to 72 hours to submit their assessments of the overall security situation nationwide.

Arroyo has scheduled a meeting with the Cabinet and other key officials on Saturday to assess the latest developments in the country's security situation.

WNC nurses test results out today
BY CARLA GOMEZ

The Board of Nursing will release the examination results of 599 nursing graduates of West Negros College today, Lily Ann Baldago, regional head of the Professional Regulation Commission, said yesterday.

The board had earlier withheld the results because of alleged course overloading at the WNC, but BON and Professional Regulation officials agreed to release the results after a House budget hearing last week.

However, DAILY STAR sources said while BON is set to release the examination results it is also set to file charges against examinees and that could delay their acquisition of nursing licenses.