Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Give Cebu more Congress reps, PB members ask
THE Cebu Provincial Board asked lawmakers in the House of Representatives to increase Cebu Province’s representation in Congress, citing population growth.
Provincial Board (PB) Member Victor Maam-bong, who drafted the resolution, also pushed for the passage of House Bill 1306 filed by Rep. Nerissa Soon-Ruiz (Cebu Province, 6th district) seeking to divide that district into two.
The new district will cover only Lapu-Lapu City. Cordova town is excluded from the proposal.
In requesting for additional districts, Maambong pointed out that Cebu Province is one of the most densely populated provinces in the country.
“As of 2007, Cebu registered a total population of 2,439,008. Yet, Cebu is only entitled to eight congressional districts,” said Maambong, who represents the sixth district in the PB.
“We are appealing to our able and competent members of the House of Representatives…to remedy this situation by enacting appropriate legislation that would give flesh to…so as to give equal voice to every Cebuano,” he said.
Maambong added that Cebu “rarely depends on the National Government’s doleouts for support but generates” its own resources for projects.
Cebu is “grossly under-represented” in Congress, he added.
Citing the 2007 census, the PB member said the sixth district has a population of at least 743,713, so he finds it “very anomalous” that it has only one congressional representative.
Under the 1987 Constitution, at least 250,000 residents are needed to compose one congressional district.
In a separate interview yesterday, Congresswoman Ruiz said that making Lapu-Lapu City a lone district will give it more freedom, following its declaration as a highly
urbanized city.
“Upon consultation with many leaders and sectors in Mandaue, (I learned that) they are willing to stay in the sixth district,” Ruiz added.
“Probably, the next congressman will file a bill (to make Mandaue a separate district as well). I’m sure that by next Congress, the whole Province will undergo redistricting because of the increasing population,” said Ruiz.
Cebu, she added, ideally should have at least 11 congressional representatives instead of the current eight.
Meanwhile, the congresswoman dismissed talk that she is working for the passage of her bill because her husband, Joselito, will run for congressman of Lapu-Lapu City’s lone district.
She reiterated her husband plans to run for mayor of Lapu-Lapu City, and not seek a seat in Congress. (GMD)
For Bisaya stories from Cebu. Click here. (June 24, 2008 issue)
Write letter to the editor.Click here.
|
