By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon, Jr. yesterday said he was “elated” to have the Negrosanon Federated Region (NFR) included in the federalism proposal drafted by the Consultative Committee.

The region was earlier referred to as the Negros Federal Region.

“We are very happy, very elated,” the governor said.

“We have been frustrated of the situation where almost 70 percent of the money goes to ‘Imperial’ Manila,” Marañon added. “Under federalism, that [will] change.”

The committee is expected to submit the final draft to President Rodrigo Duterte on Monday, July 9.

Last month, while speaking during a rally at the Lamberto Macias Sports Complex in Dumaguete City, Negros Occidental third district Rep. Alfredo Benitez revealed Duterte assured him he would not oppose the creation of the then-Negros Federal Region, which is comprised of both Negros provinces and Siquijor./DGB, WDJ