Negros Occidental Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Wednesday, July 5, that he will discuss the push for the creation of the Negros Island Region (NIR) with Negros Oriental Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria.
“I understand Gov. Sagarbarria is open to the NIR,” Lacson said.
Lacson said he will call Sagarbarria to discuss the matter.
The Senate hearings on the proposed creation of the NIR are expected to resume after the State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on July 24, Rep. Francisco Benitez (Neg. Occ., 3rd District) said Monday.
Benitez is one of the authors of House Bill 7355, creating the Negros Island Region composed of the provinces of Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, and Siquijor, which was approved by the Lower House in March.
The passage of a counterpart measure in the Senate is needed before the creation of the NIR can be signed into law by the president.
Former Negros Oriental Gov. Roel Degamo was opposed to the creation of the NIR, which bill in the Lower House was co-authored by all of the representatives on Negros Island and Siquijor.
Meanwhile, Lacson said he will deliver his State of the Province report after the SONA.*