The resignation of Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri as senate president is a big loss to the people of Negros Occidental, Acting Governor Jeffrey Ferrer said on Tuesday, May 21.
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.
“There are times in life where we need to do what is right even if it means having to face the consequences. What is important is I leave with my principles intact and my conscience clean,” Zubiri told DIGICAST NEGROS.
Zubiri’s stepping down as Senate President “is a big loss because Migz is considered a Negrosanon”, Ferrer said.
The senator’s father is originally from Kabankalan City.
Ferrer pointed out that Zubiri even before he was Senate President had provided P120 million in projects for the towns and cities in Negros Occidental. When he became Senate president the amount increased to P300 million, Ferrer added.
Zubiri has also provided a lot of support to the sugar industry, Ferrer added.
The Negros Island Region (NIR) bill, which passage was pushed by Zubiri in the Senate, will not be affected by his resignation, Ferrer said.
The bill, which seeks the creation of the NIR composed of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor that has been approved by the Senate and the House of Representatives has already been sent to the Office of the President, Ferrer pointed out.
When President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. came to Negros in April he confirmed that the NIR bill would become a law, Ferrer said.
If the president does not sign the NIR law the bill will just lapse into law, Ferrer said.
Ferrer has been designated acting governor of Negros Occidental until Thursday, while Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson is in Bali, Indonesia, for the 10th World Water Forum.
Board Member Manuel Frederick Ko is acting vice governor.*