New district bill set for plenary

CEBU, Philippines - Second district Representative Wilfredo Caminero is optimistic that his proposed bill creating the seventh legislative district in Cebu Province, would be approved within this year after making it through the committee on local government in the first reading.

Caminero said the bill is now heading to plenary for approval on second reading.

“I-report sa plenary ang resolution sa committee. After sa plenary, i-approve man ang committee report, then i-approve na for second and eventually third reading. I am sure in congress this year ma-approve na to in the lower House,” he said.

Caminero revived the proposal of his predecessor, former congressman Pablo Garcia, to divide the second district into two congressional districts by filing the House Bill 3149.

Garcia filed the original proposal in 2008 but did not materialize for lack of time. Under the proposal, the second district which is at present composed of 15 municipalities will be divided into two.

The new district, which will be known as the seventh legislative district, shall be composed of the municipalities of Dumanjug, Ronda, Alcantara, Moalboal, Badian, Alegria, Malabuyoc, and Ginatilan.

The towns of Argao, Dalaguete, Boljoon, Alcoy, Oslob, Santander, and Samboan will remain as second district.

Caminero said he is planning to ask somebody from the Senate to sponsor a counterpart bill.

“Mohangyo ta kung kinsay mo-lobby  nga  member of the Senate. This time wala pa tay nahunahunaan,” he said.

Caminero said the creation of additional district in Cebu would give the province additional representation in Congress. At present, Cebu has nine congressmen including the representatives of the lone district of Lapu-Lapu and Cebu City’s north and south districts. (FREEMAN)