QC needs P1B for 2 new districts

The Quezon City government said it may have to raise about P1 billion to fund the creation of two new legislative districts, which will be carved out of District 2.

The measure, which was already approved by the Senate on final reading, will bring the city’s total of number of districts to six.

The city’s public information officer Gregorio Banacia explained that District 2 was already overpopulated and its size could pass for a small municipality, thus the need for new districts.

It currently has 30 barangays, the largest number among the

four current districts, covering the areas of Novaliches, Fairview, and portions of Commonwealth Avenue.

In a statement Thursday, the city government has identified the funding requirements for the measure as a priority in its coming deliberations on the 2013 city budget.

Aldrin Cuña, chief of staff of Mayor Herbert Bautista, said about P1 billion would be needed to fund the salaries, facilities and new equipment for the new offices.

“While Quezon City recognizes the importance of redistricting in promoting representative democracy, increasing the number of our councilors would mean added demands on the city’s budget,” Cuña said.

A counterpart House bill creating the new districts said it would take effect in the next national and local elections following its passage into law.

Under House Bill 4245, the fifth district will be composed of Barangays Greater Lagro, Pasong Putik, North Fairview, Kaligayahan, Sta. Lucia, San Agustin, Novaliches Proper, Nagkaisang Nayon, Sta. Monica, Capri, San Bartolome, Bagbag, Gulod and Talipapa.

The sixth district, on the other hand, will be composed of Sauyo, Baesa, Balon-bato, Unang Sigaw, Apolonio Samson, Sangandaan, Tandang Sora, Pasong Tamo, Culiat and New Era.

Meanwhile, Area 7 which includes Holy Spirit, Batasan Hills, Commonwealth, Bagong Silangan and Payatas, as well as Fairview, will remain under the second legislative district.

The bill calls for the election of 12 additional city councilors to represent the two new districts, at six councilors each. Julie M. Aurelio