BACOLOD City – Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson expressed confidence in President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s potential endorsement of the Negros Island Region (NIR) Bill, despite opposition from the Diocese of Dumaguete.
The Diocese urged the President to veto the NIR Bill, saying the process of creating the new region was marred by a “grave lack of fair, just, and truthful consultation.”
In response to the Diocese’s stance, Lacson believes that the Church in Negros Oriental should be provided with all the necessary information needed to make an informed decision.
In a letter dated March 25, the Diocese said the NIR Bill was passed despite insufficient public consultation.
“Regrettably, the passage of the bill has been marred by a lack of comprehensive information dissemination and meaningful consultation with the diverse sectors and stakeholders of Negros Oriental,” it said.
The letter was signed by Bishop Julito Cortes and eight other officials of the diocese.
Lacson also noted that the Diocese’s sentiment seems to be similar to their initial concern about being considered the inferior province.
The letter further said: “Our plea is not born of mere dissent but rather from a sense of duty to safeguard the future of our beloved province. The church’s sole concern in this matter is to ensure that the voice of the people is not only heard but also duly acknowledged and accorded the justice it rightfully deserves.”
Lacson emphasized anew the importance of including Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and the island of Siquijor in the NIR proposal and that the creation of the region aims to unite resources and development initiatives for the involved provinces, fostering unity and progress.
Marcos, during the ceremonial energization of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines’ Cebu-Negros-Panay 230-kV Backbone Project on April 8, made a pronouncement that he will sign into law the NIR Bill. (Watchmen Daily Journal with a report from Inquirer.net)/PN
