• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez yesterday said he is optimistic that the creation of Negros Island Region will be approved by the Senate, which is expected to resume committee deliberations on May.
The Senate Committee on Local Government, chaired by Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito, has been tasked to hear the proposed NIR creation.
The House of Representatives recently approved the NIR bill on its third and final reading.
Benitez explained that the NIR passage was a congressional effort, as they approved it easily.
He added that he sees no problem in the political aspect of NIR creation, as newly assumed Negros Oriental Gov. Carlo Jorge Joan “Guido” Reyes expressed his support, and his predecessor, Gov. Roel Degamo, had even softened his opposition to it before he was assassinated on March 4.
“The problem is really budgetary. But you can sit down, find a solution to the budget issues,” he added.
In filing it to the House., Benitez disclosed that Rep. Juliet Marie Ferrer (4th district, Negros Occ) introduced provisions in the NIR bill which aim to address budgetary issues, in terms of putting together proper transition and implementing plans.
It’s a question of transition and how long it may take fully realize a full region. The budgetary constraints maybe addressed that way, he added.
The proposed new region will be composed of the provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and island province of Siquijor.*
