BACOLOD City Councilor Caesar Distrito is supporting the creation of a new legislative district in the city.
Distrito, chairperson of the City Council committee on laws, said yesterday he is willing to author another resolution expressing a support on the redistricting.
He said as early as 2010, he already authored a resolution, which was also approved by the Council, expressing its support for the redistricting of Bacolod.
Congressman Greg Gasataya earlier said he is only waiting for the approved resolution from the current members of the City Council for the redistricting.
In 2017, Gasataya has asked the city officials to issue a stand on the proposed creation of a new legislative district in the city.
On July 2016, Gasataya introduced House Bill 147 (HB 147), which is an act reapportioning the lone legislative district of Bacolod and thereby creating a new legislative district from such reapportionment which seeks to create another legislative district due to its consistently increasing population.
Gasataya said it is in pursuit of efficiency and effectiveness in the delivery of basic services and equal representation for the people of Bacolod.
Bacolod, classified as a highly-urbanized city, has a total population of 511,820 based on the 2010 Philippine Statistics Authority census. It has a total of 61 barangays.
“This year, the city is projected to have a total of 579,101 population based on 1.78 annual growth rate, according to the Bacolod City Planning and Development Office. These data clearly manifest that the city meets the minimum requirements set forth by the law of a new legislative district,” Gasataya said.
Barangays 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 41, Alangilan, Banago, Bata, Estefania, Granada, Mandalagan, Montevista, and Villamonte shall comprise the first district.
On the other hand, Barangays 27, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, Alijis, Cabug, Felisa, Handumanan, Mansilingan, Pahanocoy, Punta Taytay, Singcang-Airport, Sum-ag, Tangub, and Vista Alegre shall comprise the second district.
Distrito said if Gasataya needs the resolution, they will approve it in the next regular session.
“We will respond to the call of Gasataya to pass a new resolution for the redistricting,” he said.
He added that in practical side, it is an additional leader to serve with the constituent and more projects for the people of Bacolod can enjoy.