In a decisive move, a civil society group has taken legal action against the formation of the Negros Island Region (NIR), claiming procedural lapses and insufficient public consultation as the basis for their petition to the Supreme Court.
A group from Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor province has approached the Supreme Court, seeking declaratory relief, prohibition, and a temporary restraining order regarding the law that recently established the NIR. This petition, filed on August 30, demands a preliminary injunction and a status quo ante order to revert conditions to their state before the law’s enactment.
The petitioners argue that the creation of NIR under Republic Act 12000, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on June 13, was illegal. They claim the process lacked proper public consultations and did not adhere to standard legislative procedures. The petition includes notable individuals such as Reverend Father Hendrix Alar and Lina Eparwa.
Governor Manuel Sagarbarria of Negros Oriental acknowledged the concerns raised but emphasized that public consultations were indeed conducted in 2015 before the initial establishment of the NIR by then-president Benigno Simeon Aquino III through Executive Order No. 183. Sagarbarria pointed out that the latest iteration of the NIR merely included Siquijor to the previously established region.
Opposition to the NIR’s revival extends beyond procedural complaints. Groups like the Tingog Siquijodnons coalition from Siquijor are worried about the economic repercussions for Siquijor’s small population of just over 100,000. There is apprehension that inclusion in the NIR might negatively impact their economic standing.
Catholic Bishop Julito Cortes of Dumaguete has also been a vocal critic of the NIR. In March, he described the revival of the NIR as an ‘insult’ to the people of Negros Oriental, advocating for President Marcos Jr. to veto the bills that resulted in the region’s creation. His calls, however, were unheeded.
Financial aspects of the new region also prompted debate. In early August, Senator Imee Marcos highlighted that the NIR was not allocated funds in the proposed 2025 National Expenditures Program. Joseph Victor Ejercito, the principal author of the law, stated that NIR would receive an annual budget of P1.2 billion for three years to aid its transition. Negros officials remain optimistic, hopeful that the funding issues will be addressed and confident in the new region’s potential for development.
As the case moves forward, the Supreme Court’s decision will be crucial in determining the future of the Negros Island Region, balancing legal, procedural, and economic considerations.
Source: Rappler