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Monday, January 31, 2005
Dimaporos opposed redistricting of Lanao Norte province
By Lino dela Cruz
SEVERAL political groups have now expressed fears to the proposed redistricting of the province of Lanao del Norte as it may affect the unity of the Christian and Muslim populace.
A new town will soon be added to the 2nd district of Lanao del Sur after the National Statistics Office (NSO) recently affirmed the latest population census of Muna-Ingud, to qualify as a municipality.
Lakas administration party Governor Imelda Dimaporo voiced fears on the effects of the proposed redistricting of the province of Lanao del Norte.
"We have been working for so many years to unite the Christian and Muslim inhabitants of Lanao del Norte and the proposed redistricting, if it will push through, will only create divisiveness among the people," said Governor Imelda Dimaporo, who belongs to the Lakas administration party.
The controversy over the revision of the component towns of the 2 congressional districts in Lanao del Norte came as proponents headed by Representative Alipio Cirilo Badelles (1st District), an ally of the Dimaporos in last May 2004 election, moved to create a lone congressional district for Iligan City, which is at present, a part of the 1st district.
In the proposal, at least five Muslim populated hinterland towns, which are at present components of the 2nd congressional district of Lanao del Norte will be transferred to the 1st district once Iligan City is detached from the 1st District.
This will reduce the number of component towns in the 2nd congressional district of Lanao del Norte from 10 to five, a move which incumbent 2nd District representative, Congressman Abdullah Dimaporo opposses.
A petition for the redistricting is now being circulated in the five affected towns namely, Balo-i, Pantao-Ragat, Matungao, Piagapo and Tagoloan and Representative Badelles had promised to give at least P300,000.00 in projects as incentive for the mayors and barangay chairmen to affix their signatures in the petition.
"What should be done is to make consultations with the officials and residents of the affected towns instead of giving incentives like the P300,000.00 project to prod them to sign the petition," Governor Dimaporo said.
Governor Dimaporo and Lanao del Norte 1st District congressman Badelles are both on their 3rd and last term of office, which will end on 2007.
The Dimaporos and their political party, did not field a congressional candidate in last May's election to give way to Representative Badelles to finish his term, according to Governor Dimaporo.
"I am now being accused of early politicking when in fact, they (Representative Badelles and his group) are the ones who are politicking," the governor said.
Representative Badelles' wife, Jingle is reportedly now being groomed to run for congresswoman in the proposed lone district of Iligan as she launches the "Jabs" which stands for Jingle Andrada Badelles and Joint Action Brigade.
On the other hand, Governor Dimaporo is said to be eyeing a senate seat once her term expires in 2007.
Meanwhile, NSO district officer of Lanao del Sur Lacson Abdullah said the census that was conducted by the local government unit in September, 2000 showed that the population of the proposed town, Muna-Ingud, which is comprised by 40 barangays had already reached some 12,500 and this is enough to qualify it for a new municipality.
Nanayaon Arindig, a village leader and one of the main proponents, said this proposed creation of Muna-ingud as a municipality, is supported by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, through the representation of Secretary Robert Tiglao.
Muna-Ingud leaders are now coordinating with the Lanao del Sur provincial board and Representative Faisah Dumarpa of the 2nd Congressional District for the early submission of documents needed for sponsorship, which are also to be submitted to the NSO, Commission on Election (Comelec) Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and other government agencies, according to Arindig.
The province of Lanao del Sur has 2 congressional districts that are composed by at least 38 municipalities.
The proposed addition of Muna-ingud brings to 20 the component municipalities of the 2nd congressional district of this province.
(January 31, 2005 issue)
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