Business, sugar groups
reject wage hike petition
LABOR TO FIGHT MANAGEMENT'S MOVE
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Two chambers of commerce and three sugar planters groups in Negros Occidental yesterday rejected the call of labor for a new wage increase citing an expected slump in sugar prices because of a supply overhang brought on by smuggling.

The management groups aired their positions at a Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board hearing held in Bacolod City yesterday on a petition filed by the Trade Union Congress of the Philippines for a daily wage increase of P75 in Western Visayas. Negros Occidental Gov. Joseph Marañon said that, in the absence of an order for a wage increase, he is appealing to the business sector to give increases on their own, according to what they can afford.

Gov't center case vs.
city officials dismissed
BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO

The Regional Trial Court dismissed for lack of merit a civil case filed by two former executive assistants and eight barangay captains against several Bacolod City officials seeking the declaration of nullity of an appropriation ordinance approved by the city for the construction of the government center.

The case was filed by Victor Eduardo, Sancho Nagar Sr. and Barangay Captains Madeline Diaz, Brigid Tan, Elvira Arcobillas, Norberto Subiate, Sammy Gaitan, Anthony Jose Loth Ayco, Rodolfo Montaño Sr. and Rufino Alcala against Mayor Evelio Leonardia, former Vice Mayor Renecito Novero, nine councilors, City Treasurer Annabelle Badajos, City Accountant Eduardo Ravena and Hilmarc's Construction Corp. represented by Engr. Efren Canlas. .

'Nude' photos of
teacher investigated
BY NIDA BUENAFE

The Bacolod City Schools Division Office will investigate the latest "scandal" in the internet showing a picture of a public school teacher barely clad in her uniform, and striking an indecent pose.

Schools Superintendent Milagros Gonzales said she created a Task Force to probe the authenticity of the picture. She added that the picture being circulated in the internet embarrasses the teaching force as the subject is wearing the uniform used by teachers in school year 2005-2006.

Gonzales said her office received a copy of the picture saved in a compact disc in April, but the office clerk had kept it from her allegedly to spare her from an "unnecessary concern".