BY ERWIN ‘AMBO’ DELILAN
EVERYONE initially thought that after the Senate’s victorious passage of Senate Bill (SB) 2507, the Negros Island Region (NIR) Bill, on March 12, the subsequent steps leading to its enactment into law by President Bongbong Marcos would proceed smoothly.
The President, during his visit to Bacolod on April 8, expressed his inclination to sign the NIR Bill, which aims to consolidate the twin provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor Province into a single administrative region.
Shockingly, just two days after the President’s announcement, unexpected opposition arose from the Diocese of Dumaguete, led by Bishop Julito Cortes and eight other prelates from Negros Oriental. They expressed their strong opposition to the re-establishment of NIR, urging President Marcos to veto the controversial bill. This opposition was documented in a two-page letter signed on March 25 and released to the media on the afternoon of April 10.
Is this alarming? Could it spoil NIR again?
From a political perspective, it appears unlikely. Almost all politicians across the country’s political structure support NIR. This is evidenced by the passage of House Bill (HB) 7355 in March 2023, which shares the same goal as SB 2507—to recreate NIR. However, from a legal standpoint, there might be complications.
Let’s recall the controversial division of Negros Occidental into Negros del Norte and Negros del Sur in the 1980s, initiated by the late Assemblyman Armando Gustilo. The late President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. had signed Batas Pambansa (BP) Bilang 885 to authorize the split. Nevertheless, the People’s Graftwatch of Bacolod City, led by the late Dr. Patricio Tan, successfully challenged the split at the Supreme Court, citing a lack of public consultation.
The Supreme Court, in its July 11, 1986 en banc decision, invalidated BP Bilang 885, declaring the split illegal. This precedent could be relevant to the current NIR Bill scenario.
Heavy Heart
The letter opposing NIR used poignant language that could persuade the President to reconsider signing the NIR Bill into law. The clerics, expressing deep concern, implored the President to veto the bill, arguing it lacked proper public consultation and thus did not reflect the populace’s voice.
Disadvantageous for Negros Oriental
The opposition further argued that NIR would be detrimental to Negros Oriental, exacerbating regional inequalities. Negros Occidental has six congressional districts, one highly urbanized city, and 13 component cities, while Negros Oriental has only three congressional districts and six cities. Siquijor has only one congressional district and no city at all. This asymmetry in representation and resource allocation, they contended, could perpetuate systemic injustices, marginalizing vulnerable communities. Although Negros Occidental Governor Bong Lacson reassured that Negros Oriental would not be disadvantaged, he has yet to provide evidence to support his claims.
Survey Insights
A 2014 survey by Silliman University indicated that 43.34% of residents were against NIR, with only 25.83% in favor, and 30.83% undecided. This demonstrates significant apprehension among the population, highlighting the need for thorough deliberation and inclusive decision-making.
Why Fix It?
Merging the Bisaya/Cebuano- and Hiligaynon-speaking communities into one region poses significant challenges, not to mention the confusing inclusion of Siquijor, which has a distinct identity and geographical separation from Negros Island. The late Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo famously questioned the need for change, asserting that the people were content within the Cebu Region.
The ‘Push’, The ‘Slay’
NIR is not a new concept; it was established for two years from 2015 to 2017. Initiated by the late President Noynoy Aquino through Executive Order No. 183 in 2015, it was subsequently dissolved by President Rodrigo Duterte in 2017 due to financial constraints.
Now, as history seems poised to repeat itself, the final decision rests with President Marcos. But, with the clergy’s unexpected opposition, the fate of NIR hangs in the balance.
Will NIR end up in the Supreme Court? Let’s wait and see./PN
