BY CHRYSEE G. SAMILLANO
A resolution recommending the approval of the redistricting of Bacolod City into two legislative districts was approved by the Bacolod Sangguniang Panlungsod yesterday.
The resolution authored by Councilor Al Victor Espino said Bacolod Rep. Greg Gasataya introduced House Bill 147 in the 17th Congress, or an Act reapportioning the lone legislative district of Bacolod City and thereby creating a new legislative district from such reapportionment.
In July 2019, Gasataya filed HB 566 in the 18th Congress, aiming to reapportion the lone legislative district of Bacolod, it said.
The resolution said reapportionment is proper, legal, and feasible in the City of Bacolod due to the increase in population.
The population of Bacolod City based on the 2015 census alone is 561,875 to which it qualifies for two national representatives under the minimum requirements set in the 1987 Constitution, it said.
Espino believes the reapportionment of the City of Bacolod into two legislative districts will spur economic growth and development, and will give the city more programs and projects.
There will be the creation of the first and second legislative districts by apportioning the 61 barangays comprising the Lone Legislative District of Bacolod City, he said.
Meanwhile, Councilor Em Ang asked for clarification whether there is a need for another public consultation to get the sentiments of the stakeholders since the bill had been refiled in Congress and that there were amendments made in the previous proposals that involved the barangays.
Although Espino believes there was no need, she, however, believes “there is a need for another consultation because after all, we are the ones who will be affected if they have done that the requirements have been substantially complied,” she added.*
