• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Let President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. decide the fate of the proposed Negros Island Region, Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson disclosed, in reaction to the opposition raised by Dumaguete Bishop Julito Cortes and some priests in Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
Lacson reiterated his assurance that contrary to claims, Negros Occidental will not put Negros Oriental at a disadvantage, which was what he also told the late Gov. Roel Degamo.
“Having said that, let us put our trust in the president to make his decision based on all the available data he has in his hands,” the Negros Occidental governor further said.
In a letter sent to President Marcos Jr., Bishop Cortes and seven other episcopal vicars in Negros Oriental and Siquijor, as well as a clergy association, called on PBBM to consider vetoing Senate Bill No. 2507, which proposes the creation of NIR, claiming that it has been marred by a lack of comprehensive information dissemination and meaningful consultation with the diverse sectors and stakeholders of Negros Oriental.
Asked if he is concerned that the approval of the NIR will be derailed because of the opposition, Lacson said “The president will make a decision!”
In his recent visit to Negros Occidental, Marcos said he is committed to sign the NIR bill to enhance governance and growth of three provinces.
All the solons of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, as well as their respective governors, have expressed full support to the creation of NIR.
Cortes maintained that the intention of the NIR bill “until now, is unclear” to the general public.
By vetoing the NIR bill, the Bishop said that PBBM would not only uphold the principles of transparency and participatory governance, but also affirm his commitment to all the welfare of all Filipinos.
In a separate interview in March, Lacson asked why the opposition was raised only now, and not during the deliberations on the NIR by both the House of Representatives and Senate.
The Diocese of Dumaguete covers the towns and cities from Basay in the south to Jimalalud in the north, and the entire island province of Siquijor.*
