ILOILO – No major impact to the province. This was how Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. perceived the planned redistricting of Iloilo City into two legislative districts.
Defensor welcomed the approval of House Bill 8477 or “An Act Reapportioning the Lone Legislative District of the City of Iloilo” in the House of Representatives.
He was confident the move will not disturb the present status of the province.
“Waay gid ina epekto sa probinsya kag maayo ina para sa syudad,” Defensor told Panay News.
The House of Representatives approved House Bill 8477 on third and final reading on Feb. 2.
Filed by Rep. Julienne Baronda last July 29, 2019, the bill aims to add a legislative district to Iloilo City to help accelerate the metro’s growth as Western Visayas’ economic hub and regional center.
Defensor said the creation of another district means another congressperson will be able to provide more projects, financial assistance, scholarships and other services to Iloilo City.
This move was, in fact, long overdue, he added.
“Damo kita sang local government units nga dugay na dapat puede matunga, waay lang gallng nahimu – isa na dira ang Iloilo City,” the governor said.
House Bill 8477 groups the districts of Jaro, La Paz and Mandurriao together as the First Legislative District, and cluster the City Proper, Molo, Arevalo, and Lapuz as the Second Legislative District./PN
