BACOLOD City – Gov. Eugenio Lacson expressed that the Negros Island Region (NIR) might not be established if it is not pursued under the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. due to the delay in advancing the bill in the Senate.
In a statement released by Sen. JV Ejercito, he mentioned that the Senate still needs to convince the President, as there is hesitancy due to the significant funds required for establishing the NIR.
The senator added that the Senate does not want to pass the bill without the President’s approval, ensuring a thorough process.
According to Lacson, historically, the NIR’s funding has always been the primary issue in the bill’s advancement.
Despite the setback, the Negros Occidental governor trusts that the delay will give senators more time to strengthen the bill.
He also remains optimistic that Senate Bill 1236 will progress, but he believes that if it is not pursued under the current administration, there is a possibility that it may not be established in the future.
House Bill 7355, or the Negros Island Region bill, hurdled the House of Representatives in March of this year and was later forwarded to the Senate.
Under the new bill, Siquijor island will also be included in the NIR. (Watchmen Daily Journal)/PN
