Davide, Magpale back anti-dynasty bill, but…

CEBU, Philippines - The Liberal Party in Cebu seems to have already chosen a candidate to run for a congressional seat in the seventh district in Cebu come 2016 elections once the redistricting bill is approved by President Benigno Aquino.

This, as the Congress brought the bill creating an additional legislative district one step closer to becoming a law.

“It is certain already nga atong kandidato sa partido would be Board Member (Peter John) Calderon,” Cebu Governor HilarioDavide III told reporters.

Davide lauded the Congress for passing the bill, expressing hope for its approval by the President.

He believes that the creation of an additional legislative district in the province would spawn more development and get additional share of resources from the national government through the efforts of the district representatives.

“That’s a very good news… Karon mas dako na nga projects ang ma-expect sa new district. With the approval sa additional district, we can be assured of more development,” the governor said.

In a separate interview, Calderon said it would be premature yet to signify his bid for Congress in 2016 since the bill has not yet been signed by the President.

“Kabalo man ‘ta nga it was just the Senate that approved. In the event nga it becomes a law, I will assess my chances. But if the party needs me, kung ako’y ilang himuon nga kandidato, maybe I’ll give it a try,” he said.

Calderon is serving his last term as member of the Provincial Board, representing the second legislative district of the province.

He transferred his registration in Ginatilan town since 2012.

The Senate passed on Tuesday the bill that split the second district into two separate congressional districts, thus, making the seventh district.

The second district, the biggest in Cebu, is composed of 15 municipalities – more than one third of the 44 municipalities in the province. It has the biggest number of barangays at 284.

Once the bill is approved, the seventh legislative district will be composed of the municipalities of Dumanjug, Ronda, Alcantara, Moalboal, Badian, Alegria, Malabuyoc and Ginatilan.

The municipalities of Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy, Boljoon, Oslob, Santander and Samboan will continue to comprise the second district.

The creation of a new district would also mean two additional representations to the legislative body of the provincial government. — (FREEMAN)