Friday, August 10, 2007 (Philippines)

CANDLES mark the spot where businessman Benjamin Barquero was shot and killed allegedly by an Akrho member in Bry. Alang-alang, Mandaue City. Barquero told the gunman to stop hitting his (the frat man’s) girlfriend. Angered, he shot Barquero. (Sun.Star Photo/Ruel Rosello) THERE will be no wage increases in Central Visayas for this year. The Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) yesterday rejected petitions for a salary increase filed by two labor groups. The board, voting 3-2, ruled against ordering an increase, citing losses suffered by exporters with the strengthening of the peso against the dollar and the high cost of business operations. [full story]