- GILBERT BAYORAN
Negros Occidental 3rd District Rep. Jose Francisco Benitez said Friday, March 31, he is optimistic that the creation of the Negros Island Region will also be approved by the Senate, which is expected to resume committee deliberations in 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 unanimously passed the NIR bill on third and final reading March 6.
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 the NIR creation, as newly-assumed Negros Oriental Gov. Carlo Jorge Joan “Guido” Reyes has expressed his support to it.
“The problem is really budgetary. But you can sit down and find a solution to the budget issues,” Benitez added.
He also said that Negros Occidental 4th District Rep. Juliet Marie Ferrer has introduced provisions in the NIR bill, which aims to address budgetary issues in terms of putting together proper transition and implementing plans.
The proposed new region will be composed of the provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and the island-province of Siquijor./GB
