Bacolod Broadcast Online

30/04/2026

Press Statement of Deputy Speaker, Congressman Albee Benitez

In light of the recent dismissal by the Office of the Ombudsman of the criminal and administrative cases filed against me and my fellow respondents, I wish to make my position clear.

I will no longer be pursuing any counter-charge against the complainant.

The issues raised have already been thoroughly addressed, and the Ombudsman’s ruling has affirmed that there was no basis for the allegations. For me, that is more than enough. The dismissal of all cases stands as our full vindication.

Engaging in further legal action at this point would serve no meaningful purpose. It would only consume time and resources better devoted to public service.

We choose to move forward, guided by the truth that has now been clearly established, and to continue focusing on our work for the people.

28/04/2026

LALAKI GIN GIN LUTHANG SANG BRGY.TANOD PATAY SA BANWA SANG ISABELA.

Patay ang isa ka lalaki gin aligar gin sunog ang tubo nga gina karga sa truck matapus luthangon sang barangay tanod sa Sitio Tubod,Brgy.Sikatuna,banwa sang Isabela mga las 9:00 sang gab-i abril 27,2026.

Ang biktima gin kilala sakay alyas "Jirmi",gin aligar may problema sapang huna-huna,ang suspek gin kilala sakay alyas "Teody",Brgy.Tanod lunsay pumuluyo sang nasambit nga lugar.

Gin pahayag ni Police Captain Joseph Partidas,hepe sang Isabela PNP,gina bantayan sang suspek ang truck nga kargado sang tubo nga gina panag-iyahan sang Barangay Kapitan sa amo nga barangay,sang hinali nag abut ang biktima kag gin tutdan ang tubo.

Gilayon naman nga na tapna ang kalayo,sang gin palapitan sang suspitsado ang biktima bangud sa ano nga insidente,apang may dala nga bato kag patalom kag gin saway apang nag pangakig pa ang biktima.

Dugang pa ni Partidas napilitan ang Tanod nga kuhaon ang armas luthang nga gina panag-iyahan sang kapitan nga na bilin sa truck kag gin tiro ang biktima pila ka besis nga amo ang gin tunaan sang kamatayon sini.

Suno pa dugang ni Partidas gina hulat nila ang desisyon sang isa ka utod ka biktima nga nagapuyo sa syudad sang Silay,kun magapasaka sila sang kaso.

27/04/2026

Look:kaso nga gin pasaka batok kay Deputy Speaker Alfredo "Albee" Benitez, sang Lone District Representative sang Bacolod City, ang gin Dismissed sang Ombudsman.
‎
‎Ang nagpasaka sang kaso ang Broadcaster nga si Roger Ledesma.

23/04/2026

BACOLOD SP APPROVES ON FIRST READING THE LANDMARK ENERGY EFFICIENCY ORDINANCE

A major step toward sustainable and cost-efficient urban development was taken today as the Sangguniang Panlungsod approved on first reading an ordinance authored by Councilor Atty. Caesar Z. Distrito establishing the Bacolod City Energy Efficiency Code for Buildings.

The proposed measure sets minimum energy performance standards for buildings across the city, aiming to reduce electricity consumption, lower costs for consumers and businesses, and promote climate-responsive design.

Councilor Distrito emphasized that the ordinance responds to both national policy and urgent local needs.

“This measure is about protecting our people from rising electricity costs while ensuring that Bacolod moves forward as a resilient and sustainable city. Energy efficiency is no longer optional, it is necessary.” Atty. Distrito said.

The ordinance aligns with Republic Act No. 11285 or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, and supports the national call for energy conservation following the declaration of a national energy emergency by Ferdinand Marcos Jr..

Among the key features of the proposed ordinance are:
* Mandatory use of energy-efficient lighting such as LED systems
* Adoption of passive cooling design, including natural ventilation and shading
* Requirement for inverter-type or high-efficiency air conditioning systems
* Solar-ready provisions for all new buildings
* Regular energy audits for large establishments
* Mandatory energy reduction targets and solar installation for government buildings

The measure also proposes incentives for compliant establishments, including real property tax discounts, faster permit processing, and recognition through a “Bacolod Green Building Seal of Compliance.”

To ensure effective implementation, the ordinance creates a Bacolod Energy Efficiency Board that will oversee compliance, issue implementing rules, and coordinate with national agencies and stakeholders.

Distrito noted that buildings account for a significant share of electricity consumption, making efficiency improvements a practical and immediate solution to energy challenges.

“This is a forward-looking policy. It encourages smarter building practices, reduces strain on our power supply, and contributes to lowering greenhouse gas emissions,” he added.

20/04/2026

20/04/2026

Bacolod Council Urges Swift Probe into Killing of Jonel Besaña, Calls for Action on Unsolved Cases

The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City has approved a resolution authored by Councilor Caesar Z. Distrito and Councilor Pao Sy urging the Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), under the leadership of PCOL Eugene Rebadomia, to conduct a thorough and expeditious investigation into the killing of Jonel Besaña and to intensify efforts in resolving other unsolved killing incidents in the city.

The resolution was passed in response to growing public concern over recent violent crimes, particularly shooting incidents involving assailants riding motorcycles, which have heightened fear and anxiety among residents.

Jonel Besaña, a resident of Purok Talaba, Barangay Singcang-Airport, was shot and killed by an unidentified assailant while he was about to fetch his wife from her workplace at SM City Bacolod. The incident, which occurred in a public area near Police Station 1, has raised serious concerns over public safety and the boldness of criminal elements.

Councilor Distrito stressed the urgency of swift and decisive action from law enforcement authorities.

“The loss of life under these circumstances is deeply troubling. Our people deserve to feel safe in their own communities, and incidents like this shake that sense of security,” he said.

“Unsolved killings not only deny justice to victims and their families, they also erode public trust in our institutions and embolden those who seek to commit further crimes. We must act with urgency, transparency, and resolve,” Councilor Pao Sy added.

The City Council underscored that the victim was known to have no known enemies, making the incident even more alarming and highlighting the need for a comprehensive investigation to determine the motive and identify those responsible.

The resolution calls on the BCPO to immediately identify, locate, and apprehend the perpetrator or perpetrators, as well as to strengthen intelligence operations, conduct case reviews of unsolved killings, and enhance coordination with relevant agencies.

It also urges the police to increase visibility and security measures in public places, particularly in areas near police stations, to deter criminal activity and reassure the public.

18/04/2026

Bacolod Council Commends BCPO & Police Station 4 for ₱21M Smuggled Ci******es Interception, Urges Sustained Checkpoints

The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Bacolod City has approved a resolution authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito & Councilor Pao Sy commending Police Station 4 and Bacolod City Police Office (BCPO), under the leadership of PCOL Eugene Rebadomia, for its vigilance that led to the voluntary surrender of smuggled ci******es valued at approximately ₱21,000,000.00.

The commendation stems from a successful checkpoint operation conducted on April 14, 2026, in Purok Herbabuena, Circumferential Road, Barangay Villamonte, where a six-wheel panel van carrying suspected smuggled ci******es was intercepted. The shipment, consisting of around 200 boxes of Tabaco ci******es and 15 boxes of Cannon ci******es, is now under police custody pending turnover to the Bureau of Internal Revenue for proper verification and disposition.

Councilor Distrito lauded the professionalism and alertness of the police personnel involved.

“This incident highlights the critical role of vigilance and proactive policing in protecting both public order and government revenues. The actions of Police Station 4 demonstrate that effective law enforcement can yield tangible results,” he said.

Councilor Pao Sy also emphasized the broader importance of sustained enforcement measures.

“Police checkpoints and increased visibility are proven deterrents against smuggling and other illegal activities. We must continue and strengthen these efforts to ensure that unlawful goods do not circulate and that the government is not deprived of rightful revenues,” Councilor Sy added.

The resolution underscores that smuggling of ci******es and other excisable goods results in significant losses in government revenues, particularly excise taxes, which are vital for funding public services and development programs.

The City Council further noted that the incident reflects the effectiveness of checkpoint operations and the importance of continued vigilance among law enforcement agencies in curbing illegal activities.

Through the resolution, the Sangguniang Panlungsod also urged the BCPO to sustain and intensify the implementation of police checkpoints and enhance police visibility across Bacolod City as a proactive strategy to deter crime and safeguard public resources.

15/04/2026

Benitez Extends Personal Fuel Aid to 1,780 Jeepney Drivers

Demonstrating his continued commitment to Bacolod’s transport sector, Deputy Speaker and Congressman Albee Benitez will lead the distribution of fuel subsidy cards to 1,780 jeepney drivers today, April 16, 2026 at 11:00 AM at his office.

Each driver will receive ₱1,000 worth of fuel subsidy, funded entirely from the personal funds of Cong. Benitez as part of his direct assistance to drivers affected by rising fuel costs.

“Sa panahon nga nagasaka ang presyo sang krudo, indi naton pagbayaan ang aton mga driver nga naga serbisyo adlaw-adlaw sa aton komunidad,” Benitez said.

The distribution is expected to benefit drivers from various transport groups across the city, many of whom continue to face financial strain due to fluctuating fuel prices due oil crisis. The use of fuel subsidy cards is intended to ensure that the assistance is immediately usable and directly supports their livelihood.

This effort forms part of Benitez’s continuing initiatives to provide responsive and immediate relief to essential sectors, particularly those most vulnerable to economic challenges.

14/04/2026

SP Approves on First Reading the Elevation of PESO to Department Ordinance

A proposed ordinance seeking to elevate the Public Employment Service Office (PESO) into a full-fledged department has successfully passed its first reading before the Sangguniang Panlungsod, authored by Councilor Caesar Distrito, and who also chairs the Committee on Human Resource.

The measure aims to transform PESO into the Public Employment Services Department (PESD), strengthening the City Government’s capacity to deliver responsive, inclusive, and technology-driven employment services to Bacolodnons.

According to Atty. Caesar Distrito, the proposed ordinance is anchored on national policies such as Republic Act No. 8759, as amended, which mandates the strengthening of PESOs, as well as Republic Act No. 7160, which empowers local government units to design responsive organizational structures.

“This measure is about future-proofing our employment services. By elevating PESO into a department, we are institutionalizing a stronger, more responsive system that can better address the evolving demands of the labor market and provide real opportunities for our people.” Councilor Distrito explained.

The ordinance retains all existing functions and programs of PESO while introducing key enhancements such as expanded job matching and labor market analytics, entrepreneurship and livelihood facilitation, inclusive employment services for vulnerable sectors, and the adoption of digital systems alongside decentralized service delivery.

A key feature of the proposed measure is the establishment of Barangay Employment Service Office (BESO) Desks in all barangays to bring employment facilitation services closer to communities. These desks will serve as frontline access points and will be supervised and coordinated by the PESD.

The ordinance also mandates the creation of a Digital Employment Platform that will provide online job matching and applicant registration, maintain employer and labor market databases, ensure accessibility through web and mobile platforms, and integrate with national government systems.

Under the proposed restructuring, the PESD will be headed by a Department Head, supported by an Assistant Department Head, and organized into five major divisions covering employment facilitation, labor market information and research, training and career development, livelihood and entrepreneurship, and administrative and support services.

The measure further strengthens institutional capacity through the expansion of plantilla positions and the establishment of a more robust organizational structure, subject to budgetary availability and applicable civil service rules.

Implementation of the ordinance will be undertaken in phases, prioritizing core services, barangay-level access, and digital transformation initiatives.

“This is a long-term investment in jobs, in skills, and in economic opportunity. We want a PESO that is not just functional, but truly transformative for every Bacolodnon seeking employment or livelihood.” Distrito added.

13/04/2026

Soroy mga Lodz

11/04/2026

Distrito Pushes for Sustainable Transport as Bacolod E-Mobility Ordinance Passes First Reading

A proposed measure seeking to transform Bacolod City’s transport system through the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) and e-mobility solutions has successfully passed first reading before the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Authored by City Councilor Atty. Caesar Distrito, the proposed “Bacolod City Electric Vehicle and E-Mobility Promotion Ordinance of 2026” aims to promote sustainable, inclusive, and cost-efficient transportation while addressing rising fuel costs and environmental concerns.

“This measure is a forward-looking response to the challenges of rising fuel prices, urban pollution, and the need for a more sustainable and inclusive transport system. By promoting e-mobility, we are investing not only in environmental protection but also in the economic well-being of our drivers and commuters.” Atty. Distrito said.

The proposed ordinance outlines a comprehensive framework to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles in the city. Among its key features are:
• Incentives for EV users and operators, including reduced fees, priority permits, and access to financing programs;
• Support for charging infrastructure development, including incentives for investors and the establishment of strategic charging stations across the city;
• A pilot program for electric tricycles (e-trikes) in selected areas, in coordination with transport groups;
• Public-private partnerships to accelerate infrastructure and technology deployment;
• PWD-inclusive mobility measures, ensuring accessibility and equitable transportation options; and
• Creation of a Bacolod E-Mobility Task Force to oversee implementation and policy direction.

The measure also emphasizes the gradual electrification of public transport, particularly tricycles, which make up a significant portion of the city’s transport sector.

Distrito highlighted that the ordinance is aligned with national policies, including the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act (EVIDA), and supports broader goals of energy efficiency, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and improved air quality.

“This is not just an environmental initiative, but also it is an economic and social reform. Lower operating costs for drivers, cleaner air for our communities, and better mobility options for persons with disabilities are all part of this vision,” he added.

The proposed ordinance will now proceed to further deliberations at the committee level, where stakeholders, including transport groups, private sector partners, and concerned agencies, will be consulted.