Robredo encourages discussions on proposed Palawan split before plebiscite

MANILA, Philippines — Vice President Leni Robredo on Friday said a debate would help residents understand the law seeking to split Palawan into three provinces.

The plebiscite is set for the second Monday of May 2020, following President Rodrigo Duterte’s approval of the law on April 5.

The new provinces will be created if approved “by the majority of the votes cast by the voters of the affected areas.”

READ: Plebiscite on splitting Palawan into 3 provinces set for 2020

Asked to comment on the proposal to split Palawan into three provinces, Robredo said she sees both positive and negative implications of the move. Hence, the need for a discussion which would help residents make informed choices.

“Tingin ko, iyong lahat na issues na iyon, kailangan pag-debatehan bago ng plebesito para iyong tao, nagkakaroon siya ng pagkakataon makita iyong, parang all sides of the coin, para nakakapag-desisyon siya ng maayos,” Robredo told reporters in Puerto Princesa City in Palawan.

(I think there should be a debate before the plebiscite so the residents can see all sides of the coin and make informed decisions.)

Robredo, however, said the final decision rests with the residents.

“Iyong sa akin kasi ultimately, iyong mga taga-Palawan iyong magdedecide. Kaya magkakaroon ng plebesito para, tingin ko, sila naman iyong dapat na tinatanong (For me, the residents of Palawan should ultimately decide. This is why need to have a plebiscite),” Robredo said.

The vice president said the geographical size of Palawan makes it hard for those living in the northernmost and southernmost part of the province to access government services.

“Nakita natin iyon na iyong mahihirap iyong malalayo—hindi lang sa Palawan, pero sa maraming bahagi ng Pilipinas—parang the farther… the farther the town is away from doon sa pinaka-sentro, mas mahirap din siya,” Robredo said.

(We have seen that those living far from the capital are likely to be poor, and this is not only in Palawan but in the whole country.)

“So iyong wisdom talaga ng paghati, iyong mas greater attention saka focus iyong mabibigay (The wisdom behind the proposed split is to focus more on those who are far from the center),” she added.

Robredo, however, said a possible negative implication is security because Palawan serves as a gateway into the country.

Under the law, Palawan will be split into three provinces — Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental, and Palawan del Sur. /ee

READ: Duterte signs law dividing Palawan into 3 provinces