Zubiri resignation as Senate President a ‘big loss’ to Negros, say local execs

BACOLOD CITY — Local executives in Negros Occidental lamented the resignation of Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri as Senate president, describing it as a “big loss” to Negrenses.

Negros Occidental acting Gov. Jeffrey Ferrer said Zubiri could have helped Negros a lot as Senate president since the latter traces his roots to Negros.

“Migz is considered a Negrosanon,” Ferrer said in an interview.

Zubiri’s father is originally from Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental.

READ: Zubiri sees Senate passage of 20 of Marcos’ priority bills in June

Ferrer expressed hope that the resignation of Zubiri as Senate president would not affect the Negros Island Region (NIR) bill which he pushed during his term.

The NIR bill, which seeks the revival of another region composed of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor, has been approved by the Senate and the House of Representatives and was already been sent to the Office of the President.

When President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. came to Negros Occidental in April, he confirmed that the NIR bill would become law.

“If the President does not sign the NIR, the bill will just lapse into law,” said Ferrer who has been designated acting governor of Negros Occidental until May 23 while Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson is in Bali, Indonesia for the 10th World Water Forum.

READ: Zubiri sees enactment of bill creating Negros Island Region into law soon

Ferrer pointed out that even before he was Senate president, Zubiri had provided P120 million in projects for the towns and cities in Negros Occidental.

When Zubiri became Senate president, the amount increased to P300 million, Ferrer added.

“He (Zubiri) has also provided a lot of support to the sugar industry,” he said.

Lacson said Zubiri would always be remembered for steering the passage of the NIR.

READ: Negros Island Region supporters welcome passage of bill in Senate

“I am truly appreciative of this. Many of our local governments were recipients of his projects as he also considered the province his home,” he said.

City Mayor Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said Zubiri had helped Negrenses a lot through various government projects.

“I hope Senator Chiz (Escudero) will give attention to Bacolod and Negros Occidental like how Senator Zubiri did,” he said.

San Carlos Bishop Gerardo Alminaza said it’s a big challenge for citizens to monitor how the three co-equal branches of government fulfill their distinct yet important tasks.

READ: Marcos satisfied with Senate drive on priority bills – Villanueva

“In a democracy, the freedom to exercise one’s right is crucial, be one is simply an ordinary citizen or in the highest position of the land,” he said.

Zubiri on Monday relinquished his post to Senator Francis Escudero after his colleagues moved to oust him.

Zubiri was outnumbered and was left with only seven allies.

“There are times in life when we need to do what is right even if it means having to face the consequences. What is important is I leave with my principles intact and my conscience clean,” Zubiri said in a statement.