Bongbong: No to One-Island Region bid

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – Senator Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. was not amenable to the proposed One-Negros Island Region, saying: "I don't think it's necessary."

Marcos, chairman of the Senate committees on local government and public works, said the proposal to merge the two Negros provinces-Occidental and Oriental-into one region will entail additional costs to everyone.

The senator, who visited Negros Occidental, said the plan will depend on what form it will take, as he pointed out that the region was organized as an administrative entity. "It's the same as re-districting. I don't know if the concept is necessary."

Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. has been intent on pushing for its realization while Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo is opposing it because he has yet to see a feasibility study that will improve the lives of his people.

On the proposed Negros-Panay Bridge, however, Marcos said it is "a concept that is something to discuss," as it needs planning and funding first. The proposal will take time to realize, he said.

"I don't know if it's a priority" of the national government, "but who knows?" said Marcos. "It's a matter of getting it organized and getting the funds," he said, noting that the San Juanico Bridge, linking Samar and Leyte, opened up the economic development in Region 8.

Marcos said that, once the Negros-Panay bridge will be realized, it will open up (more) transport and communication facilities here.

Representative Jeffrey Ferrer (4th district, Negros Occ.), for his part, said the proposal needs further study, but he pointed out that he would rather have the funds allocated on other developments than on the Negros-Panay bridge. The bridge needs a lot of funding, "we have to study it," he said.