Senate OKs Aklan split to two districts

A proposal to split the province of Aklan into two legislative districts was approved by the Senate on the third and final reading on Tuesday.

According to Senator Sonny Angara, chair of the Senate committee on local government and sponsor of House Bill No. 7522, the passage was timely because it would provide additional representation for the province which has grown, both in population and economic basis.

“What is important is that by creating a new legislative district we are opening new opportunities for Aklanons to participate and have a true ‘voice’ in the governance of their communities,” Angara said.

“We are hopeful that this move would also ensure the improved delivery of public services to Aklanons,  Aklan’s economy has also grown, thanks to its thriving agro-marine and tourism industries,” he added.

All 19 senators present voted in favor of the bill’s approval.

The senator explained that the reapportioning of Aklan, which has a total population of 574,000 as per the 2015 Census, was in line with the Constitution.  Section 3 of Article VI states that a city or province with a population of at least 250,000 should have at least one representative in Congress.

He added that the bill was supported by local officials in the province and the Aklan Chapter of the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas, Philippine Councilors League, and League of Municipalities of the Philippines, who all issued resolutions in support of the measure.

Under the proposal, the first legislative district is composed of Aklan’s capital Kalibo and eastern towns Altavas, Balete, Batan, Libacao, Madalag, New Washington and Banga, which has a total population of about 297,318.

The remaining municipalities of Malay, Buruanga, Ibajay, Nabas, Malinao, Tangalan, Makato, Numancia and Lezo, which houses about 277,505 people, will form the second legislative district.