Dumaguete diocese asks BBM to veto bill creating Negros Island Region

The Diocese of Dumaguete has asked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to consider vetoing the bill that seeks to create the Negros Island Region or NIR.

"Our plea is not born of mere dissent, but rather from a sense of duty to safe guard the future of our beloved province," said Dumaguete church officials including Dumaguete Bishop Julito Cortes.

"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," they added.

They also said that there was a lack of comprehensive information dissemination on Senate Bill No. 2507 or the creation of the NIR that includes Negros Occidental, including Bacolod City, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.

"As custodians of democracy, it is the people's inherent right to be fully informed and actively engaged in decisions of such magnitude, for they shape the trajectory of our collective destiny," the group said, adding that the proposal also has a "disproportionate impact" to the poor families in the region.

"The creation of the NIR threatens to exacerbate existing inequalities, as Negros Oriental finds itself disadvantaged by its fewer district and cities compared to Negros Occidental. This asymmetry in representation and financial allocation could perpetuate systemic injustices, further marginalizing vulnerable communities."

The group also cited a survey conducted in 2014 wherein 43.34% oppose the creation of an NIR, while 25.83% favor the proposal, and 30.83% were undecided.

The clergy were also confused as to the addition of Siquijor template "despite its distinct identity, language, and geographical location." — BAP, GMA Integrated News