Senate President Juan Miguel “Migz” F. Zubiri Miguel Zubiri (Bibo Nueva España / Senate PRIB).
BACOLOD CITY — The Negros Island Region (NIR) will become a law before Christmas, if it is not vetoed, according to Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri on Saturday, Aug. 12.
“As far as we are concerned, I committed 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 will become a law before Christmas. Our Christmas gift to the region, as long as it is not vetoed,” he added.
The bill seeks the creation of the NIR composed of Negros Occidental and Oriental, and Siquijor.
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.
“As far as the leadership in the Senate is concerned, the NIR is in the bag,” he said.
He also pointed out that Negros Oriental Gov. 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.
RELATED STORY:
House bill to create Negros Island Region passed on final reading