Negros guvs to push for one-island state
Two of Negros leaders agreed for the creation of one-island state if ever the country will shift towards a federal form of government.
Governors Isidro Zayco of Negros Occidental and Emilio Macias of Oriental Negros who was in Cebu on Thursday and Friday for a governor's forum on federalism said their proposal is better compared to one-region state wherein Iloilo is still the federal capital.
Zayco and Macias have foreseen the advantages of one-island state for economic development, accessibility and feasibility.
The governor of Siquijor on the other hand have said he would like his province to be part of the Negros state. Siquijor, on Pimeltel's proposal, belongs to Central Visayas State together with Cebu.
Federal states retain 80 percent of their local income and remit only 20 percent to the national government. "I think Negros island can stand on its its own because of its abundant resources, developed towns and cities as well competent people," Zayco added.
Under the proposal of Senator Aquilino Pimentel, eleven (11) Federal States shall be created under the Federal Republic of the Philippines. These are: 1. The State of Northern Luzon; 2. The State of Central Luzon; 3. The State of Southern Tagalog; 4. The State of Bicol; 5. The State of Minparom; 6. The State of Eastern Visayas; 7. The State of Central Visayas; 8. The State of Western Visayas; 9. The State of Northern Mindanao; 10. The State of Southern Mindanao; and 11. The State of BangsaMoro
Zayco said they will pass a formal resolution to the Senate since Pimentel also admitted on their forum that the 11 states were just a proposal and nothing was final, so the Negros request could be studied as the discussions continue.