NEGROS Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is still determined to meet and possibly convince Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo to support the establishment of the Negros Island Region.

This is despite Degamo's opposition to NIR.

"I'm expecting a call today," Lacson said when asked of the latest on his possible meeting with Degamo.

"That's precisely the reason why we would like to see him and talk to him. Hopefully, we could convince him. It's not gonna be easy but we should make a try," Lacson said.

Earlier, Negros Oriental Provincial Information Officer Alex Lozada said Degamo has not changed his stand on NIR.

Lozada said Degamo does not see any need for Negros Oriental to rejoin NIR as they are doing well with Region 7.

Lozada also said Degamo is concerned that the province's economy would be affected, especially when it comes to voting power since Negros Occidental has more lawmakers compared to Negros Oriental.

Degamo also sees that Negros Oriental's economy would be more stable if it sticks with Region 7 and believes that the House of Representatives and the Senate will understand his position as to why he is opposed.

The Negros Oriental governor has not submitted any position paper regarding his stand on NIR to Congress despite the passage of the substitute bill for the establishment of NIR by the House Committee on Local Government.

Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer also said that Degamo's stand against NIR may have something to do with politics.*