Senator Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito has rejected claims insinuating that he is causing the delay in the passage of the measure that seeks the creation of a Negros Island Region (NIR).
Sen. Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito (Senate PRIB Photo)
Ejercito, whose mother hails from Bacolod City, said Senate Bill No. 1236, which he filed in support of the passage of the said measure, said the NIR bill is necessary for boosting the efficiency of service delivery in the area and providing convenience for the region’s residents.
However, it is imperative for the Senate Committee on Local Government, which he chairs and is handling the NIR bill, to adhere to the legislative process by conducting several joint hearings for consultations with various stakeholders.
Ejercito noted senators and provincial leaderships have already took part in the discussions on the NIR bill. Last September 2023, he alongside Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri and Special Assistant to the President Anton Lagdameo, convened a meeting in Manila with Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson, Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer, Negros Oriental Governor Manuel Sagarbarria, and Vice Governor Jaime Reyes to discuss the establishment of Negros Island Region.
“The NIR bill was not delayed under my committee because we followed the proper process. It's crucial to understand the stakeholders' positions before moving forward in the process,” Ejercito explained in a statement.
"We don’t want to pass the measure only to be vetoed. That is why we are making sure all bases are covered,” he pointed out.
“(So) There is no truth to the insinuation that the NIR bill is stuck in my committee,” the lawmaker further said.
According to Ejercito, the committee report on the NIR bill is set to be released this week for members' signatures. The bill's sponsorship is scheduled for the following week.
The bill seeks to revive the creation of the Negros Island Region to be composed of the provinces of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
The NIR was established in 2015 through Executive Order No. 183 but was later abolished in 2017 through Executive Order No. 38.
The lawmaker reminded critics he was one of the first to support the passage of the Negros Island Region by filing SB No. 1236.
“I'm all for this bill because it gives the people of Negros a chance to show they can stand on their own and help the country achieve its goals,” Ejercito stressed.