Duterte signs law on redistricting Aklan

BY BOY RYAN B. ZABAL

President Rodrigo Roa Duterte signed into law the redistricting of the existing legislative district in the province of Aklan on September 21.

PHOTO AKLAN FORUM JOURNAL

House Bill No. 7522, authored by Aklan Rep. Carlito Marquez – An Act reapportioning the province of Aklan into two legislative districts will take effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or in any newspaper of general circulation. 

The two districts are entitled to one representative each in Congress beginning the 2019 national and local elections. 

The two legislative districts will be composed of First Legislative District – municipalities of Libacao, Madalag, Banga, Kalibo, Balete, Altavas, Batan and New Washington and the Second Legislative District – municipalities of Buruanga, Malay, Nabas, Ibajay, Tangalan, Makato, Numancia, Lezo and Malinao. 

Aklan province has met the population requirement (574,873 as of 2010 census) for the two legislative districts. Article VI of the 1987 Constitution requires a minimum population of 250,000 for a congressional district and each district should be composed of a “contiguous, compact and adjacent territory.”

The 'unnumbered' Republic Act was signed by House Speaker Gloria Macapagal Arroyo on September 10 and Senate President Vicente Sotto III on September 12. It was certified by Secretary of the Senate Myra Marie Villarica and acting Secretary General of the House Dante Roberto Maling before it was transmitted to the Office of the President. 

Last August 28, the Senate approved the measure in the third and final reading with 19 affirmative votes.  

On the other hand, Aklan governor Florencio Miraflores said the new legislative districts will hasten the economic and social development of Aklan and better representation in Congress.