SEPT 18, 2015

NR # 3961

Solon proposes to subdivide Southern Leyte into two congressional

districts
A lawmaker has proposed to subdivide the lone congressional district of the
Province of Southern Leyte into two districts to better improve the quality of legislation
and the delivery of services to the constituents.
In filing House Bill 6041, Rep. Damian Mercado (Lone District, Southern Leyte)
said the population of Southern Leyte has more than doubled since its creation as a
province in 1960.
The steady rise in its population has put an enormous strain on the lone
congressional offices capability to serve its constituents considering that a congressional
district is designed to serve a population of only 250,000, Mercado said.
Mercado said it is for this reason that the need for additional representation has to
be addressed.
By subdividing the whole Province of Southern Leyte into two congressional
districts, an additional district office will be created, he said.
If approved, the whole province will be represented by two congressmen who will
manage two congressional district offices. Once operational, the two congressional
districts can surely improve the service it can offer to its constituents and improve the
quality of legislation as well, Mercado said.
In pushing for the measure, Mercado cited the policy of the State to ensure that the
growing population of the Philippines will be adequately represented at the halls of
Congress to protect peoples interest and the public in general.
Under the measure, the Province of Southern Leyte shall now be composed of two
congressional districts.
The First Congressional District shall comprise the City of Maasin, Macrohon,
Padre Burgos, Limasawa, Malitbog, Tomas Oppus and Bontoc municipalities.
On the other hand, the second district shall consist of the municipalities of Sogod,
Libagon, Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan, San Ricardo, Saint Bernard, Anahawan, San
Juan, Hinundayan, Hinunangan and Silago. (30) lvc