BEFORE the House of Representatives went on its sine die adjournment, it approved on third and final reading a bill which seeks to reapportion the province of Aklan into two legislative districts.
Under House Bill 7522, authored by Aklan Rep. Carlito Marquez, the First Legislative District of Aklan shall be composed of the municipalities of Altavas, Balete, Banga, Kalibo, New Washington, Libacao, and Madalang.
The Second Legislative District shall be composed of the municipalities of Buruanga, Ibajay, Lezo, Makato, Malay, Malinao, Nabas, Numancia and Tangalan.
Boracay Island, which is located in Malay town is part of the Second District.
To date, Aklan has only one district.
Marquez is its sole representative in the Congress.
According to Marquez, the measure aims to enhance the implementation of government services and ensure proper delivery of service to the Aklanons.
Marquez said that the bill is pursuant to Section 5, Article IV of the 1987 Constitution which provides that a city or a province with a population of at least 250,000 shall have at least one representative in Congress.
Aklan's population has reached more than 500,000 as of 2015, according to Marquez.
Marquez said the additional representation in the Congress would give the Aklanons more voice in the legislature to promote the interest of the province. (SunStar Philippines)