MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) ruled that the lone legislative district of San Jose del Monte (SJDM) City is allowed to have two seats in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bulacan.
In its ruling issued on Thursday, the Supreme Court granted the petition of San Jose del Monte Representative Florida Robes for a writ of mandamus to compel the Commission on Elections to amend a resolution on the allocation of seats for the city.
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According to the SC, the city is entitled to have two seats in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan as it was recognized by Congress to be in a legislative district of its own.
“In fact, throughout the law’s legislative history, the lawmakers were consistent in including the lone legislative district of San Jose del Monte in the list of the Province of Bulacan’s legislative districts,” the decision read.
The SC added that the citizens of the city are entitled to elect their representatives in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
“The right of people to choose those who will govern them is primordial, sacred, and the bedrock of the nation’s constitutional democracy,” it added.
In a statement, Robes said that this victory will allow more representation for the city so that their needs will be met.
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”Tayo ay nagagalak sa naging desisyon ng Korte Suprema sa ating petisyon na naglalayong magbigay ng mas malakas na representasyon sa SJDM. This victory is for our dear San Joseños,” Robes said.
(We are glad about the Supreme Court’s decision in our petition to give stronger representation in SJDM. This victory is for our dear citizens.)