27 August 2008

Iloilo City Redistricting Bill

Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Raul Gonzalez Jr. filed a bill dividing Iloilo City into two congressional districts. As per Rep. Gonzalez proposal, the first district will cover Mandurriao, Jaro, La Paz and Lapuz while the second district will be City Proper, Molo and Villa de Arevalo.

The redistricting bill of Iloilo City however has opposition. A group of lawyers and ex-politicians filed their opposition to Noynoy Aquino’s office. The group said Iloilo City did not meet population criteria. The division would also mean more salaries for the congressman and for his staff.

I see no harm in the redistricting bill. Two Iloilo City congressmen means Ilonggo voices will be heard more in the lower house. If the senate approves the bill and it becomes a law, the city will be electing two representatives in the 2010 general election.

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