Negros Occidental Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson said the proposal to allow passenger buses from Negros Oriental to enter the province anew is still under discussion.
“That matter is now being studied by our provincial administrator (Rayfrando Diaz II). He’s in touch with the (bus) company,” Lacson said.
He added it is important that Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental have the same travel protocols now that both provinces are under the Alert Level 2, with the decreasing number of coronavirus disease 2019 cases on the island.
“We have to decide which borders we have to open. If we have come to an agreement already, we’re ready to do that. For practical purposes, it has to be the same protocols from both ends,” he said.
Lacson said, for now, the province is not yet allowing passenger buses to enter Negros Occidental, but he would like to “settle the issue as soon as possible”.
Negros Oriental Governor Roel Degamo issued Executive Order 44, adopting the guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases for areas in the country now placed under Alert Level 2.
He said bus trips to Negros Occidental are now allowed, but both provinces have yet to agree on common travel protocols.
At present, Vallacar Transit Inc.-owned Ceres buses are not allowed to enter Negros Occidental, but those coming from the other side of the island can enter the province on board a private vehicle as long as passengers will present the required travel documents.PNA
