Let the High Court decide on petition vs. NIR law: Lacson

Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the officials of the three provinces – Negros Occidental, Oriental, and Siquijor stand pat on their support to the creation of the Negros Island Region (NIR) which they manifested during the meeting of the Technical Working Group.

The governor said they have not received yet the copy of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the NIR. The IRR is delayed and Lacson said they are hoping to sign it soon.

About the petition filed at the Supreme Court against NIR, Lacson said the Supreme Court can decide on it.

“But you know it’s a free and a democratic country so anybody can file the petition. But it’s up to the Supreme Court to decide what is best and how to treat the petition,” the governor said.

“Maybe they (petitioners) feel that Negros Oriental and Siquijor are … But many are saying that NIR is good for the the three provinces. Even Congressman Dino Yulo and Congresswoman Mercedes Alvarez manifested they have not violated the law,” Lacson said.

A civil society group from Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor province has filed a petition before the High Court seeking for declaratory relief, prohibition, and a temporary restraining order (TRO) regarding the recently enacted law creating NIR.

The petition also sought a writ of preliminary injunction and a status quo ante order, which aims to restore the situation to its state before the enactment of the law.* (WBT)