Over one-island region proposal: Gov calls NEDA 'useless'

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. said National Economic and Development Authority is useless and should be abolished.

This, after NEDA regional director Ro-Ann Bacal said the creation of one-island region is unnecessary.

Marañon slammed NEDA, as he stressed the agency was useless. "If  I were the president, I will abolish it," said the governor.

"NEDA's concern over the cost of the new region will be covered by the local governments and the congressmen of the two provinces," the governor pointed out.

Bacal seemed disinterested in the proposal to join the two Negros provinces — Oriental and Occidental — as she stressed that Negros is being served well in the present setup.

Aside from the cost of  the proposal, the NEDA executive said the transition phase may take 10 years until it is fully implemented. However, she said it is up to the national leaders to decide whether or not to approve the proposed one-island region.

Marañon had earlier said the fastest way to realize the one-island region plan is through an executive order by President Benigno Aquino III.

The governor assured he will lobby the proposal to the president. /JMD (FREEMAN)