Monday, July 29, 2019
BY CARLA P. GOMEZ

Negros Occidental provincial consultant for economic affairs Alfredo Benitez said he is pushing for the floating of One Visayas Bonds to be backed by local governments.

Benitez, former representative of the third district of Negros Occidental, said he aims to initially raise P10 billion, pointing out that some local governments in the Visayas are interested to join.

The Government Service Insurance System, in initial discussions,has signified an interest to take in the bonds, Benitez said.

Bonds, or fixed income investments, are essentially loans from an investor to a company or government. Bond investors receive periodic payments based on the interest rate at which the bond was sold.

All local governments are actually mandated and authorized to issue and float bonds, Benitez said.

Benitez said he will make a presentation to the Negros Occidental Sangguniang Panlalawigan tomorrow on what he plans to do as provincial consultant on economic affairs, for which he will be paid a fee of P1 a year.

He aims to bring in a lot of investments into Negros Occidental that will enable resources to stay in the province, Benitez said.

Major developments in infrastructure - water, power, ports, airports and connectivity - will entice investors, he added.

GAMBOA SUPPORT

Meanwhile, Benitez said Love Negros councilors met with Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson during the weekend to discuss the fielding of Silay Councilor Ryan Gamboa for president of the Philippines Councilors’ League-Negros Occidental chapter.

Love Negros is giving its all out support for Gamboa, he said.

The United Negros Alliance is said to be fielding Sagay City number one Councilor Arturo “Atoy” Marañon, son of former governor Alfredo Marañon Jr., Vice Governor Jeffrey Ferrer said earlier.

The winner will represent the PCL on the provincial board.*