Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri as senate president will always be remembered for steering the passage of the Negros Island Region bill, Gov . Eugenio Jose Lacson said on Wednesday, May 22.
“I am truly appreciative of this,” Lacson said.
The bill that seeks to create the NIR composed of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor is now pending before the Office of the President for possible signing into law.
“Many of our local government units were recipients of his (Zubiri’s) projects as he also considers Negros Occidental his home,” the governor added.
Zubiri on Monday relinquished his post to newly installed Senate President Francis Escudero after his colleagues moved to oust him. Zubiri was outnumbered and was left with only seven allies.
Bacolod Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said “I am friends to both Senator Zubiri and Senator Chiz. I hope SP Chiz will give attention to Bacolod and Negros Occidental like how Senator Zubiri did.”
San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said the statement of Zubiri on his resignation is worrisome because of its implications.
Alminaza was referring to Zubiri’s statement: “I’ve always supported your independence, which is probably why I face my demise today. I failed to follow instructions from the powers that be, its as simple as that.”
“Is the Senate’s check and balance function under threat? It’s a big challenge as ever to us citizens to keep careful watch how the three but co-equal branches of government fulfill their distinct yet important tasks. In a democracy the freedom to exercise one’s right is crucial as simply an ordinary citizen or in the highest position of the land,” Alminaza said.*