• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Following its approval by the Philippine Senate, the Negros Island Region bill is now almost finished, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. disclosed yesterday.
Abalos, who attended the series of activities in Victorias City, Negros Occidental, in line with its Kadalag-an Festival, said “this bill is what the Negrenses want,” stressing also that the process had been respected.
Acting Negros Occidental Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer, who joined Abalos and Victorias City Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez in a press briefing, also disclosed that they are now waiting for the approval of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Ferrer said the NIR bill is now 98 percent complete, and the remaining two percent is the signature of the President.
Benitez said he is also hoping that the bill will soon be signed by the President. “This historic bill adds something to the identity, culture, economic, and social fabric of our island,” he added.
The proposed new Visayas region will be composed of the provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor island.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, the principal author of the NIR bill in the Senate, said he is confident that PBBM will sign the NIR bill into law.
Regarding issues with the budget on the creation of a new Visayas region, Abalos said he is sure that all pros and cons have been filtered out by the Senate and House of Representatives.
“All of these concerns have been raised and probably addressed,” he added.
“What is more important, is how it will be implemented, considering that a lot has to be done, including the buildings,” Abalos pointed out.*
