Pacquiao arrives
for inauguration
BY CHRYSEE SAMILLANO

The newly elected officials of Bacolod City will take their oath of office before Philippine ring icon and Sarangani Rep. Manny Pacquiao at  the Bacolod City Government Center at 5 p.m. today.

Pacquiao, who arrived in Bacolod City yesterday afternoon with his wife, Jinkee, said he is very honored to have been chosen by Mayor Evelio Leonardia to administer their oath today. He did not expect it, but he is very happy that the mayor has chosen him, he added.

Also expected to witness the inauguration are Senator Franklin Drilon,  former League of Cities president and Naga City Mayor  Jesse Robredo, Bacolod Rep. Anthony Golez Jr., and Gretchen Cojuangco.

Bacolod Mayor Evelio Leonardia, who made history in local politics as the first city mayor elected for three consecutive terms, will lead city officials at their induction rites at the Bacolod City Government Center today.

Leonardia, who is serving his fourth term as the city’s chief executive, first served the people of Bacolod as a councilor in 1988-1992, became vice mayor in 1992-1995, and went on to become the youngest elected mayor in 1995-1998.

With Leonardia at the helm, the long-time dream of the past city leaders became a reality. Bacolod also became one of the most, if not the most awarded cities in the country in various categories.

About 20 members of the University of St. La Salle faculty and some students were rushed to Bacolod City hospitals yesterday after suffering from alleged food poisoning.

Bro. Ray Suplido, USLS president, said it was foundation day at the university and faculty from different departments brought their potluck dishes for lunch.

They may have eaten some spoiled food that caused the food poisoning, Suplido said, adding that they were still trying to determine what specifically caused so many to get ill.

Suplido said he was initially informed that a dozen were  ill. They were brought to the university clinic  after lunch but when they continued to vomit and have LBM, they were transferred  to the hospitals, he said.