Yap wants new Cebu City congressional district

CEBU, Philippines — Actor Richard Yap, who is running for congressman in Cebu City First District, is eyeing the creation of another district in the city.

He said, if he wins in the 2022 elections, he wants to focus more on the needs of the people in the mountain barangays especially in terms of health services and education.

He said this can only be achieved if at least one more representation for Cebu City is added in Congress.

“Matutokan ang mountain barangays, karon puro sa syudad, nabiyaan ang mountain barangays,” Yap said.

Population is among the requirements for the reapportionment of legislative districts pursuant to Section 5, Article VII of the 1987 Constitution, which requires the minimum population of 250,000 per legislative district.

According to the 2020 census, Cebu City has a population of 964,169, making it the fifth-most populated city in the nation and the most populous in the Visayas.

Yap on Friday led the blessing and formal opening of his headquarters in Barangay Kasambagan, Cebu City.

“We want to show the people nga seryuso ta sa atong gibuhat,” Yap said on the launching of his headquarters.

Though running as independent candidate, Yap claimed being supported by at least 16 out of the 46 barangay captains in Cebu City North District.

The Barangay Kagawad sa Dakbayan (BARKADA) led by Banilad barangay councilwoman Roycel “Clau-Clau” Vercide already manifested their support for Yap.

Yap also assured the rest of the barangays captains that whoever gets elected as mayor of Cebu City next year, he is very much willing to work with.

“I am, willing ko motrabaho bisan kinsa nga mayor kay ang ganahan nato ang kausaban or ang progress nga ato dad-on para sa Cebu mabuhat nato if with the help of the mayor or with the congressman,” Yap said.

Yap said he is trying to reach out to other barangay captains who are not his allies since he is running as independent.

The 16 barangay captains are Yap’s allies during his failed attempt for congressman in 2019 elections under the Barug-PDP-Laban, while the 30 others are allies of Bando-Osmeña Pundok Kauswagan (BOPK).

Yap added that he feels comfortable running as independent so he can focus on his campaign agenda. — KQD (FREEMAN)