Sy: SM no threat
to local business
BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO

The president of SM Prime Holdings Inc., yesterday said the entry of Shoe Mart in Bacolod City should not be considered as a threat by local businesses in the city.

Hans Sy said SM will contribute to the economy of Bacolod rather than affect other businesses. He said that, based on their experiences, the business taxes of other establishments did not reduce but were maintained and they are only an add-on.

Sy said they believe they were able to contribute to the economy rather than affect other businesses. "I could say, rather than eating up the pie, we're making the pie bigger now," he said. They have already experienced this in other provinces like Pampanga, Baguio or even Davao, he added. Because of curiosity, people might want to come over to SM in the first two months, Sy said. The opening will also attract people from the neighboring provinces to come here, he said.

Guillem: Election of CENECO
board officials rigged, illegal

Eddie Guillem, president of the Central Negros Electric Cooperative who has been suspended by the National Electrification Administration along with four other coop officers, yesterday branded the election of CENECO interim officials as "rigged, illegal, unfair and malicious" and done without a quorum.

The 30-day preventive suspension also included officer-in-charge Noriel Bermudez, board vice president Jobert Tagobader, secretary Gregorio Duremdes, and treasurer Gerardo Solas, pending the resolution of the administrative charges they are facing before NEA.

Gretchen quits race,
Ferrer takes over bid
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Environmentalist and philanthropist Gretchen Oppen Cojuangco yesterday announced that she has decided not to run for congresswoman of the fourth district of Negros Occidental in May.

Negros Occidental Gov. Joseph Marañon last night said La Carlota Mayor Jeffrey Ferrer will run for congressman of the fourth district as the official candidate of the Nationalist People's Coalition-United Negros Alliance in Cojuangco's place.

Board Member Ike Barredo, who has also expressed his intention to run for congressman of the fourth district if Cojuangco withdrew, last night said "I will run if chosen by the party, but if not I will just keep my options open."