By JEN BAYLON

Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said procedural issues caused the delay in the approval of a P50 million grant from the Office of the President for disaster response following Kanlaon Volcano’s explosive eruption last month.

The deed of donation, which was submitted to Malacañang, was returned unsigned due to missing requirements.

“Unfortunately, we did send the deed of donation, which I signed. Attached with it is just a certification that the Sangguniang Panlalawigan authorized me to sign the deed,” Lacson said.

“What Malacañang wants is the actual resolution, so they returned it unsigned,” he explained.

The governor further elaborated that Malacañang cited the absence of a witness from the provincial government when Lacson signed the document.

“While I signed the deed of donation, there was no witness on our part. So it’s just my signature. Even so, they said nga dapat there should be a witness from our end,” he added.

Lacson assured that these requirements are being addressed promptly.

“We will have to present the actual resolution. We’re just complying with that,” he said.

The governor expressed optimism that the province will soon resolve these concerns and access the much-needed funds.

“I think by next week we’re ready to tap the P50 million,” Lacson stated confidently./JB, WDJ