- GILBERT BAYORAN
The schedule is now being set for a meeting between Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson and Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo to discuss the proposed creation of the Negros Island Region, which includes Siquijor.
This was confirmed yesterday by Lacson, who was told by Degamo to coordinate with the Negros Oriental Provincial Information Office for the date of the meeting.
Lacson supports the NIR creation, while Degamo expressed his opposition to the unification of the two Negros provinces into one region.
Lacson said he is available for a meeting with Degamo next week, adding that the latter is willing to sit down with him to discuss the NIR creation.
All the Negros Island solons co-authored a bill creating the NIR, which is also supported by five senators, including Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, as well as by Siquijor Rep. Zaldy Villa and Gov. Jake Vincent Villa.
The NIR was first established through an executive order issued by then president Benigno Aquino III in 2015. It was dissolved by his successor, Rodrigo Duterte in 2017, reportedly due to budgetary constraints.
Negros Occidental Vice Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer earlier said that local politics may have influenced Degamo’s stand on the NIR creation.
The governor had supported the NIR establishment or Region 18, through Aquino’s EO.
Ferrer said Jan. 24 that one of the co-authors of the NIR bill is Negros Oriental 3rd District Rep. Arnie Teves, a political rival of Degamo.
Last year, the Comelec annulled the proclamation of Henry Teves, brother of Arnie, as governor of Negros Oriental and proclaimed Degamo the winner in the gubernatorial race./GB
