• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
Following its approval by the Senate, the Negros Island Region (NIR) bill is now almost finished, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin “Benhur” Abalos Jr. said on Thursday.
“This bill is what the Negrenses want,” said Abalos during a press conference as part of his visit to Victorias City, Negros Occidental in line with the Kadalag-an Festival.
The process has been respected, he added.
Acting Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, who joined Abalos and Mayor Javier Miguel Benitez in the press briefing, said that they are now waiting for the approval of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
Ferrer said the NIR bill is now 98 percent complete, with the remaining two percent representing the signature of the President.
Benitez said he is also hoping that the President will sign the bill soon.
“This historic bill adds something to the identity, culture and economic and social fabric of our island,” he added.
The proposed region will be composed of the provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, who is the principal author of NIR bill in the Senate, said he is confident that the President will sign the NIR bill into law.
On budget issues, with the creation of another 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 said. | GB
