UNFAVORABLE?
Palawan transfer to entail hike in gov't spending

By Ronilo L. Pamonag

The inclusion of the province of Palawan and Puerto Princesa City to Region 6 would likely result to an increase in the travel expenses of regional government officials amidst a yawning budget deficit, Presidential Assistant for Western Visayas Rafael Coscolluela said.

The declaration comes in the wake of the issuance of Executive Order 429 by President Arroyo providing for the transfer of Palawan into the region.

Regional directors of government agencies would also have an enlarged jurisdiction, he pointed out.

And there is also the need to transfer funds, personnel and equipment, he added.

It would also have implications on the government's rationalization of its personnel.

There would be changes in the regional offices of the line agencies, Coscolluela said.

Palawan used to be part of Region IV-B Mimaropa (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Palawan).

Palawan, Coscolluela recalled, had always been with Western Visayas, he said. In the past, when senators were voted regionally, Western Visayas included Palawan.

He, however, stressed that the transfer carries with it 'administrative and budgetary concerns,' and that it is not as simple as it seems.

“It's not that simple. There are many details involved, and there are a lot of things to be done,” he pointed out.

In order to effect a smooth transfer, Coscolluela said that he would meet with the Department of Interior and Local Government and other agencies especially those in Palawan that will be affected by the transfer to work out plans.

In Executive Order 429, President Arroyo directed the DILG to supervise the transfer of the Palawan province and Puerto Princesa city to Region 6. With the transfer, Western Visayas would now include the provinces of Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negros Occidental and Palawan.