Negros officials vow to
help Ombudsman
IN STEPPED-UP DRIVE VS. CORRUPTION
BY CARLA GOMEZ

Negros Occidental officials yesterday signed pledges of commitment to help the Office of the Ombudsman in the fight against graft and corruption, and in institutionalizing reforms in their areas.

Gov. Isidro Zayco, Vice Govenor Emilio Yulo III and the Negros Occidental board members signed their pledges of commitment in the morning, while the town and city mayors of the province did so in the afternoon during meetings with Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol at the provincial Capitol.

“The Office of the Ombudsman in the Visayas is serious in its campaign versus corruption. This time it is different because I want a marked improvement of my anti-corruption campaign in the Visayas, and I want to see the difference in the delivery of government services,” Pelagio said.

The Bacolod City Police Office will be on full alert for the arrival of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo in Bacolod City tomorrow as she officially opens of the 29th MassKara Festival celebration, Bacolod police director Senior Supt. Ronilo Quebrar said yesterday.

Quebrar said they have security plans in place and they also met with the Presidential Security Group yesterday for the final preparations. He said they will impose the “no permit, no rally” policy at the plaza for security reasons.

Acting Bacolod Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson yesterday said the Bacolod police will be augmented by the Talisay, Silay, the Negros Occidental Provincial Police Office and the Regional Mobile Group.

“Oplan Red Plate” will strictly be enforced in the Visayas to ensure that government vehicles are used for official business only, Deputy Ombudsman for the Visayas Pelagio Apostol said yesterday.

Those found guilty will be subjected to disciplinary action, which will include suspension, he said.

Apostol, who is in Bacolod City  to campaign for support in the fight against corruption, said government will be able to save a lot of gasoline money with the controlled use of its vehicles.