SEN. Francis Escudero warned that government’s failure to immediately address the worsening power brownouts in the Visayas will likely “drive investors to take their capital elsewhere.”

“Our economic planners forecast growth of about 2.8 percent for 2009 on the premise that last year’s net foreign direct investments will be replicated. But if we can’t ensure a consistent power supply, then investors are unlikely to come,” Escudero said.

In a statement, Escudero cited recent reports of widespread power outages in Cebu, Panay and Negros.

MILITANT legislators and farmers group intend to keep alive the issue of agrarian reform in the Cojuangco family-owned Hacienda Luisita.

House Deputy Minority Leader Satur Ocampo said this on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the Hacienda Luisita massacre.

LEGAZPI CITY—The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office for Bicol here is pushing for the construction of a new weighbridge along the Maharlika Highway to address the problem on overloading, the main culprit in the rapid deterioration of the highway.

DPWH regional director Danilo Manalang said the proposed weighbridge should be established in Sipocot, Camarines Sur, so that it also covers the Rolando Andaya Sr. Highway, which serves as the main link between Bicol, Southern Luzon and Metro Manila from where most heavy-cargo trucks emanate.