Aklan guv sees approval of Aklan redistricting bill

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

Aklan governor Florencio Miraflores said he sees no obstacle in the Senate approval of Aklan redistricting bill which seeks to reapportion the lone district of Aklan into two legislative districts.

The governor stressed the Senate aims to pass the redistricting bill when it resumed its third regular session on August 28.

House Bill No. 7522 filed by Aklan Rep. Carlito Marquez was calendared for business on July 24 in the Senate. The committees on local government, electoral reforms and peoples participation then recommended its approval with amendments through Committee Report No. 422 on August 8.

On August 15, Senator Juan Edgardo 'Sonny' Angara sponsored the bill for deliberation in the second reading.

The Senate is still in recess from August 16 to August 27 but will return on August 28.

If passed into law, the province of Aklan will be divided into First Legislative District composed of Kalibo, Banga, Balete, Altavas, Madalag, Libacao, Batan and New Washington, and the municipalites of Buruanga, Nabas, Malay, Ibajay, Malinao, Lezo, Numancia, Makato and Tangalan in the Second Legislative District.

After the Senate recess, the senators will likely vote on August 28 for the long overdue Aklan redistricting bill in the third and final reading and the subsequent passage into law by President Rodrigo Duterte.

“There is no usually debate on the bill,” the governor added.

The approved measure will give enough time for the Commission of Elections (Comelec) to implement the Aklan redistricting bill before the filing of candidacy by October.

The Lower House had approved earlier its version of Aklan redistricting bill on May 28. The bill  had the backing of Representatives Leo Rafael Cueva (Negros Occidental, 2^nd District), Raul Tupas (Iloilo, 5^th District), Greg Casataya (Bacolod City, Lone District), Alejandro Mirasol (Negros Occidental 5^th District), Fredenil Castro (Capiz, 2^nd District), Emmanuel Billones (Capiz, 1^st District), Juliet Marie Ferrer (Negros Occidental, 4^th District), John Marvin Nieto (Manila, 3^rd District), Amihilda Sangcopan (Partylist AMIN) and Melecio Yap, Jr. (Negros Occidental, 1^st District).