Gov backs splitting of Cebu districts

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III yesterday welcomed the House of Representatives’ move approving the splitting of the second congressional district into two, saying it would be beneficial not only to the officials but also to the people.

“Nalipay ta ana. Ako mismo gusto gyud nato matunga gyud nato ang usa ka district kay dako ra kaayo ba… and those who want to serve the district as congressman, mas daghan aspirants,” said Davide, adding that this also means more projects for the constituency.

The House of Representatives this week approved House Bill 4427 splitting the second district into two.

Under this proposal, the towns of Dumanjug, Ronda, Alcantara, Moalboal, Badian, Alegria, Malabuyoc, and Ginatilan will compose the new district (to be known as the 7th district), while Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy, Boljoon, Islob, Santander, and Samboan will remain with the original district.

The bill would be elevated to the upper house for a separate hearing.

With lesser towns for every district, Davide said the legislators can easily service them. He said if the Priority Development and Assistance Fund was not scrapped, the old and the new districts would have P70 million per year, which means more benefits for the people. But sans the controversial pork barrel fund, Davide said the congressman can still find a way to fund projects for his district.

“I hope maaprubahan na. And hopefully the President will sign it,” he said.

Davide said he also believes other districts like the first and the third are ripe for a split. “Para pud dili hago ang mga congressman diha,” he said.

Representatives Wilfredo Caminero, Gwendolyn Garcia, Benhur Salimbangon and Aileen Radaza of the 2nd, 3rd, 4th and lone district of Lapu-Lapu, respectively, authored the bill. —/ATO (FREEMAN)