NEGROS Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson is against the plan of declaring martial law in Negros Oriental amid the series of killings that happened in the area.

"The killings have already died down. I don't think there will be declaration based on the recommendation of the Army and I hope we will keep it that way," Lacson said.

He pointed out that the province will be affected if martial law will be declared in Negros Oriental especially the tourism industry of the province.

"Tourists may hesitate to come to the province. I'm just glad that peace and order is prevailing in our province. If we can avoid martial law let us avoid that. There are other options maybe state of emergency. But the Army has already spoken that they won't recommend martial law so we hope it remains," Lacson said.

Meanwhile, Lacson clarified Tuesda, August 6, that in as far as bidding of the Capitol projects is concerned, he has already instructed the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) that as much as possible spread out the projects to as many contractors as possible.

"But they have to be qualified contractors," Lacson said.

Lacson made the statement as the Capitol road projects are up for bidding today, August 7.

The Provincial BAC is now headed by Provincial Administrator Rayfrando Diaz.

"Personally, the governor has no more hand on the bidding of projects because it is already the responsibility of the Provincial Bids and Awards Committee and I trust the people assigned there. I have simple instructions about it and that the projects should not be given to just a few. So I think with that instructions, the BAC is ready to implement that. The BAC, I understand has already been functioning so if you are talking about the road projects, that is my instruction," Lacson added.