The creation of the Negros Island Region (NIR) will become a law before Christmas, if it is not vetoed, Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri said on Saturday, August 12.
“As far as we are concerned, I committed it to the people of Negros, I will pass it in the Senate,“ Zubiri said during a press conference in Bacolod City on Saturday.
“At the very latest, it would become a law before Christmas. Our Christmas gift to the region, as long as it is not vetoed,” Zubiri said during a press conference in Bacolod City on Saturday.
Zubiri said he will discuss the NIR with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. because the Department of Budget and Management does not want new regions and departments.
The bill seeks the creation of the NIR composed of Negros Occidental and Oriental, and Siquijor.
“As far as the leadership in the Senate is concerned, the NIR is in the bag,” Zubiri said.
Negros Island, along with Siquijor, is a large enough area for a region, he said.
He also pointed out that Negros Oriental Governor Manuel “Chaco” Sagarbarria is in favor of the NIR.
House Bill 7355, creating the NIR, has already been passed on the third and final reading in the House of Representatives in March.
Zubiri said he will also support the move to create two congressional districts for Bacolod City.*