THE realization of the Negros Island Region (NIR) under one federal state would depend on the legislators, said Mary Jane Locsin, convenor of Hublag Federalismo.

Locsin, incoming Presidential Assistant for Economic Concerns, was the speaker in Friday’s forum on federal government held in Isabela, Negros Occidental.

She encouraged Negrenses to lobby with their congressmen to fight for NIR if they want it retained after President Rodrigo Duterte ordered its abolition due to lack of budget.

“This is the catch of a federal government. It will depend on the congressmen because they will make the amendments and will have a say on the shift of government. If you think NIR is capable in terms of economic, political and cultural aspects, then go to your congressmen and lobby for NIR,” Locsin said.

She pointed out that the business sector plays a big role in the determination of a certain area if it could stand as one federal state.

The Constitutional Commission composed of 24 members has been created to draft the constitutional change. The draft will be reviewed for amendments by Congress once they transform into a Constitutional Assembly.