Should they win, Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas senatorial candidates have committed to secure funding for the Negros Island Region (NIR) to ensure its smooth implementation following its re-establishment.
The commitment comes amid concerns that budget constraints may delay the full transition of the new region, which is comprised of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and Siquijor.
Former Senator Panfilo “Ping” Lacson said funding must be included in the 2026 national budget, as preparations for next year’s National Expenditure Program (NEP) are already underway.
“Kung makakaligtaan ito, the best thing to do is for Congress, particularly the Senate in our case, to make sure na magkaroon ng funding kasi ang daming i-o-organize na mga regional offices,” Lacson said in a press conference on Friday.
He noted that key regional offices, including the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), still lack permanent leadership and facilities.
“Walang regional office ang NEDA, pati ang iba pang implementing agencies. Kailangan talagang siguraduhing may pondo sa 2026 budget,” he said.
If immediate funding is needed, Lacson suggested tapping unprogrammed funds under the President’s Special Purpose Fund.
“As long as there is an item or items in the 2025 budget that need to be augmented by the President, then pwede siyang humugot sa unprogrammed funds under the Special Purpose Fund at pwede namang gawin lang ‘yun,” he explained.
Lacson also called for official recognition of Siquijor in the region’s name, emphasizing that it should be referred to as NISR (Negros Island and Siquijor Region).
Reelectionist Senator Francis “Tol” Tolentino underscored the urgent need for funding to establish regional offices and infrastructure, including the Philippine National Police regional headquarters in Kabankalan.
He also explained that while operating budgets for regional agencies such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) remain under their original regions, additional funding will be required for relocation and operations.
Tolentino likewise underscored the need for disaster response funding, as thousands remain displaced due to Mt. Kanlaon’s ongoing volcanic activity.
“May problema lang tayo ngayon sa DSWD at tsaka siguro OCD (Office of Civil Defense) kasi putok pa ng putok itong Kanlaon. Halos walong buwan na ‘yung nasa evacuation center sa La Castellana, sa Kanlaon, at sa mga adjoining areas. Iyon ‘yung malaking budgetary outlay ang kailangan,” he said.
Tolentino urged the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to fast-track transition funding, citing his role in securing funding for Sulu when it was removed from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
“Ginawa na po natin ito noong sa Sulu. Noong tinanggal po ‘yung Sulu sa BARMM, ako po ‘yung, modesty aside, nagtulak na ‘wag maiwan ‘yung Sulu kasi mawawalan ng sweldo ‘yung mga pulis, ‘yung mga teacher sa Sulu,” he said.
While waiting for permanent regional offices, Tolentino proposed that agencies rent temporary office spaces, similar to arrangements in Regions 6 and 7.
“So, in the spirit of transition, habang wala pa sa 2026 GAA (General Appropriations Act), a lot of things can be done except siguro ‘yong pagtatayo ng mga bagong gusali kung saan ‘yung kanilang mga bagong regional offices,” he said.
“Pero pwede naman ‘yung rental. Nagre-rent naman dati sa Region 6, so pwede rin pong ganun ang gawin kung saan sila malo-locate ngayon,” he added.
The NIR was re-established through Republic Act No. 12000, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., to streamline governance and improve service delivery across Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
Lacson and Tolentino vowed to ensure adequate funding in the 2026 budget while working with DBM, NEDA, and local officials to address immediate needs.
Aside from Lacson and Tolentino, Alyansa Para sa Bagong Pilipinas includes former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos, Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay, Senator Ramon Bong Revilla Jr., Senator Pia Cayetano, Senator Lito Lapid, Senator Imee Marcos, former Senator Manny Pacquiao, former Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, House Deputy Majority Leader and former Social Welfare Secretary Erwin Tulfo, and Deputy Speaker Camille Villar.