Most board members opted for Ford Everest vehicles*

Majority of the Negros Occidental provincial board members were under fire from the broadcast media yesterday  for opting to use the discretionary funds for their districts this year to buy what were described as “high end” vehicles for their use.

But Gov. Isidro Zayco  said the new vehicles they purchased were within the price range allowed by law. The prices ranged from P1.15 million to P1.2 million.

Vehicles above P1.3 million cannot be purchased for government use unless granted exemptions by the office of the president, he said.

Former President Corazon Aquino has colon cancer*

Negros Occidental leaders called for prayers for former President Corazon Aquino after her children announced yesterday on national television that she has been diagnosed with colon cancer.

The Diocese of Bacolod is calling on Negrenses to pray for President Aquino, Fr. Anecito Buenafe, director of the Social Action Center of the Diocese of Bacolod, said.

Gov. Isidro Zayco and former Gov. Daniel Lacson Jr. also called for prayers for the ailing former president.

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia yesterday said there is a big chance Philippine ring icon Manny Pacquiao will come to Bacolod City.

Leonardia said that after Pacquiao was declared winner over Juan Manuel Marquez of Mexico, he invited him (Pacquiao) to the city and reminded him that in Bacolod he is well respected, adored and loved by the people.

Pacquiao, 29,  was crowned the new World Boxing Council super featherweight  champion after he dethroned Marquez last week in a hard fought 12-rounder that ended in a split decision in Mandalay Bay Resort Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada.