By BOY RYAN B. ZABAL
KALIBO, Aklan — Believing that Aklan deserves an additional seat in the House of Representatives, Gov. Florencio Miraflores said the redistricting of the province has been “long overdue.”
Miraflores said the Senate should have passed the bill on the matter last year.
“Aklan deserves [to be divided into] two congressional districts,” he said.
He stressed: “Sa mabahoe nga contribution it Aklan sa turismo, kinahaeang-an nga ibalik man it national government sa Aklan paagi sa pag-krear it daywang distrito (For Aklan’s huge contribution to tourism, the national government should return the favor by creating two districts in the province).”
Over a radio interview, Miraflores said that once Aklan already has two districts, “budget from the national government could boost development in the province, especially in the Eastern District.”
He said each district will also get a minimum of P200 million for the development and implementation of programs of government agencies.
The redistricting measure, House Bill 112, authored by Cong. Teodorico Haresco Jr., is pending with the House committee on local government.
On June 11, the committee suspended its deliberations on the measure pending an updated endorsement from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP).
The SP last week endorsed a resolution supporting the creation of an additional district.
Under the proposal, Kalibo, Banga, Balete, Libacao, Madalag, New Washington, Batan, and Altavas towns will compose the 1st (Eastern) District.
On the other hand, Numancia, Lezo, Malinao, Makato, Tangalan, Ibajay, Nabas, Malay, and Buruanga towns will compose the 2nd (Western) District, according to the proposal.
Miraflores said he is saddened that Sen. Sergio Osmeña III is against the province’s redistricting.
“Hopefully, sa dayang bill ni Congressman Haresco, it will gain the approval of the Senate and the [Lower House],” he said.
Senate committee on local government chair Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, during his recent visit, assured Aklan mayors of his endorsement of the proposed measure, according to the governor.
Miraflores also appealed to Aklanons to support the proposal. (Aklan Forum Journal/PN)
