The Congressional Committee on Local Government has unanimously approved House Bill 2999 during the its hearing yesterday of the 15th Congress 1st Regular Session.
Introduced by Representative Anthony Rolando T. Golez, Jr., the EXPLANATORY NOTE states that: The 1987 Philippine Constitution has established the requirement of one (1) district representative for every 250,000 residents in a local government unit, be it in a city or province. This can be logically interpreted that the Constitution wants to ensure the efficiency and effectiveness of public service to the community. Bacolod City with a 2007 Census population of 499,497 and a projected 2010 population of 537,942, deserves two (2) representatives to provide efficient and effective public service to their respective districts. In view of the foregoing analysis and interpretation of relevant data, we have reached a conclusion validating Bacolod City to meet the criteria to have two (2) legislative districts instead of one (1). Golez said, am glad that the proposed bill has passed the committee level and will be scheduled for debate on the plenary. Hopefully, it will be approved in the House very soon. The move to redistrict our city will benefit our people and our city economically. Aside from Cong. Golez, Bacolod City officials present during the hearing were led by Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Vice Mayor Thaddy Sayson, with Councilors Em Ang, Homer Bais, Al Espino, Dindo Ramos, Carl Lopez, and Ceasar Distrito, City Legal officer Joselito Bayatan, and City Administrator Dr. Rogelio Balo. Councilor Ceasar Distrito: it was surprising that it passed with the unanimous support from the committee on local government although from the start I have no doubt that the bill dividing Bacolod City into 2 congressional districts will be passed because all the necessary requirements are there. It will be to the advantage of the people of Bacolod to have additional representation in Congress. It will also give us additional projects that could help infrastructure development, propel more economic development in the city and province. According to Cong. Arnaiz, chair of the committee, they are expecting that the same will be approved in the plenary before congress will go on recess. Councilor Em Ang: "Am happy about the approval at the committee level. This is all for the good of the city. 100% increase in fund allocation for the city and 2 congressmen instead of just one working for the constituency, meaning better delivery of basic services." Councilor El Cid Familiaran: Like in the sanggunian, the first reading is presentation of title of the bill. At the second reading, Cong. Golez will have to defend it. However, I am hoping it will push through. If approved, there will be 16 councilors in the SP session, but only one mayor and one vice mayor, with two congressmen. This is favorable to us because our scope as to the number of constituents to attend to is already limited." Councilor Sonya Verdeflor: the division of Bacolod into two districts must be carefully done to ensure that the division is in accordance with the requirements under the Local Government Code, must be equal, contiguous, and no gerrymandering. Bobby Montelibano, former President, MBCCI: "Yes, we had indorsed it before. Legally, Bacolod is qualified in population and area. It will bring in double the budget into the city and representation. City Administrator Dr. Rogelio Balo: The committee on local government with more than 20 members headed by Cong. George Arnaiz unanimously approved for indorsement to congress the redistricting of Bacolod. Prominent representatives who made good remarks were Rufus Rodriguez, Salvador Escudero III, Jerry Treñas, and Sarmiento. There was no single opposition." Vice Mayor Thaddy Sayson said, "It was recommended by the committee for second reading. Based on the findings of the committee, we have passed all the requirements." From Batasan after the congressional committee hearing, Mayor Leonardia went straight to the airport for his trip to the US as member of Team Pacquiao on Sunday’s Pacquiao-Margarito bout in Texas.* By Edith B. Colmo Negros
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