Aquino OKs 3 districts in Cotabato

President Benigno Aquino III has enacted a law reapportioning Cotabato into three legislative districts ahead of next year’s midterm elections.

Republic Act No. 10177 adds another district to Cotabato, which has a population of at least 1.2 million. It was signed into law last Friday, said Undersecretary Abigail Valte, deputy presidential spokesperson.

The incumbent lawmakers will continue to represent the first and second districts of the province until the new representatives are elected.

The first district covers Pikit, Pigkawayan, Alamada, Libungan, Midsayap and Aleosan municipalities; the second district, Kidapawan City and Makilala, Magpet, Roxas, Antipas and Arakan municipalities, and the third district, Banilisan, Carmen, Kabacan, Matalam, Mlang and Tulunan.

The reapportionment would become effective in the next national elections, the law said.

The Commission on Elections will issue the rules for the implementation of the law.

With its growing population, Cotabato deserve another district, Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., chair of the local government committee, said in his May sponsorship speech.

“The province of Cotabato is economically stable. It is considered Mindanao’s food basket for being the primary producer of cereals, tropical fruits, vegetables, sugar cane, coconut, coffee, freshwater fish and livestock,” the senator said.

The bill was authored by Representatives Nancy Catamco and Jesus Sacdalan of the second and first districts of North Cotabato, respectively. Sen. Panfilo Lacson filed a counterpart bill, saying the province, with its more than one-million population, was “underrepresented.”