• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The proposed executive order for the creation of Negros Island Region is set to be discussed by the Regional Development Council 6 (RDC6), during its meeting this month, disclosed by its chairman, Bacolod City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez.
Benitez, who attended the blessing and inauguration of the new Land Transportation Office Bacolod District Office in Brgy. Mansilingan, Bacolod City, yesterday said that RDC 6 will formalize its options for the establishment of NIR.
The issuance of an executive order for NIR creation, without prejudice to legislative measures being pursued by Negros and Siquijor lawmakers in the House of Representatives, is also being pushed by business groups from both Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental.
The proposed new region of Visayas includes the provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
The NIR bill has already been endorsed to the House committee on Rules, for scheduling of second reading and debates in the plenary, after its approval by the committees on Local Government and Appropriations.
Whatever the results of the RDC 6 meeting, it will be formally sent to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., for appropriate action, Benitez, and his brother, Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez (3rd district, Negros Occidental), who are both pushing for NIR establishment, said.
During his discussion with President Marcos Jr., Benitez said the Chief Executive is ambivalent towards NIR. “But I guess he wants to listen to all sides, before making his decision,” the mayor said.*
