By Perla Lena
ILOILO CITY – The proposed redistricting of this highly urbanized city into two legislative districts earned the nod of the House of Representatives (HoR) on the third and final reading on Tuesday.
“Our dream of leveling up and becoming an even greater metropolis got a fresh boost today with the approval of our bill adding a legislative district in Iloilo City,” Iloilo City Lone District Rep. Julienne Baronda, author of House Bill 8477, said on Wednesday.
In an official statement, Baronda said once it becomes a law, the city will have two representatives in the HoR, which means a “louder voice in Congress”.
“With two legislators, we can expect more projects and programs from the national government, a doubled effort to woo investors, and more benefits for the people,” she said.
She added that she hoped the Senate will also pass a counterpart bill for the proposed redistricting.
Meanwhile, in an interview over RMN Iloilo, Mayor Jerry Treñas said he fully supports the proposed redistricting.
“As a congressman for nine years, I have seen how a congressperson can help out in the development of our city,” he said citing that Cebu, Marikina, and Makati among others were also divided into two legislative districts.
He added that if needed, he will try to campaign with senators he knows to seek their support.
The proposed redistricting of Iloilo City started during the time of former Rep. Raul Gonzales Jr. and Treñas.
“We continued what they have started, and we are fortunate to have successfully received support from our esteemed colleagues,” Baronda added.
She thanked the House leadership and her colleagues for supporting the bill.
One congressional district will be composed of Jaro, Lapaz, and Mandurriao districts while the other legislative district will have City Proper, Molo, Arevalo, and Lapuz districts.
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