Market Study Conference for North-South Commuter Railway-Clark Extension and Calamba Extension Projects

Event | 23 July 2018
ADB headquarters, Manila, Philippines

Background

The North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) - Clark Extension and Los Banos Extension are two mass transportation railway projects expanding the public transportation system of Metro Manila, Philippines and its surrounding regions. The projects will extend the on-going NSCR Phase 1 by 53 kilometers north and 72 kilometers south of Manila, respectively. The Philippines Department of Transportation (DOTr) will launch the tender for civil works, electro-mechanical systems, and rolling stock for both projects which are under consideration for co-financing by ADB and the Japan International Cooperation Agency.

DOTr invites prospective bidders (railway civil works contractors and electro-mechanical suppliers) to the Market Study Conference for the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) - Clark Extension and Los Banos Extension projects to be held on 23 July 2018 at ADB headquarters, Mandaluyong City, Philippines.

Objectives

This market sounding event aims to initiate dialogue between DOTr and private sector regarding project's scope, specifications, financing, procurement guidelines and timetable.

Participants

Railway civil works contractors, electro-mechanical suppliers, rolling stock suppliers

How to register

Kindly contact Karla Escober at kqescober.dotr@gmail.com (link sends e-mail) for project profiles, submission of inquiries and for confirmation of attendance no later than 18 July 2018.

Postponement of 2019 polls to spark outrage, Monsod warns

Postponement of next year's elections would be faced with public outrage as Filipinos don't like politicians extending their terms, one of the framers of the 1987 Constitution said Friday.

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez earlier said elections might not be held next year to give way to discussions on charter change, given candidacies have to be filed by October.

"I wish they would do that because I think the people would be very angry. Hindi naman g*go yung mga kababayan natin. One of the things they don’t like is politicians extending their terms beyond the term for which they were voted for by the people," lawyer and 1987 Constitutional Commission member Christian Monsod told ANC's Early Edition.

"If they do that, I think they will face a very outraged voting population," he said.

Fr. Ranhilio Aquino, a member of President Rodrigo Duterte's consultative committee tasked to review the 1987 Constitution, said he is against canceling the elections next year and having the incumbents stay on a hold-over capacity.

Congress, by merely passing a law, cannot change what the Constitution states, he said.

Lawmakers then can either work hard to submit a draft to the plebiscite before 2019 or leave the matter to the next Congress, he said.

"Kung gagawin ng susunod na Kongreso 'yan, when the Congress meets after the elections, alam naman ng nahalalal na because a new Constitution will be enforced, posibleng mababawasan yung termino nila," he said.

(If the next Congress does that, then the elected lawmakers would know that because a new Constitution will be enforced, their term may be cut short.)

"That is better than extending term and cancelling elections because that will violate the Constitution of 1987," he added.

Senate President Vicente Sotto III said if the election date is being changed for the sake of extending lawmakers' terms office to afford them time to change the Charter, then "amendment to the Constitution must be made."

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque also said the midterm elections next year would proceed absent a change in the Constitution, as the President would only implement what is indicated in the present charter.

Zubiri: BBL almost done

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri says the Bicameral Conference Committee will put its finishing touches on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) on Wednesday next week, paving the way for its historic approval by the joint panel.

“We are almost done…We’re down to 13 sections and two articles,” Zubiri told reporters Thursday in a briefing on the sidelines of the Bicam meetings on the landmark law at the House of Representatives in Quezon City.

“I’m confident that the outcome would be something that will definitely improve the lives of the Bangsamoro [people] in the region,” he said.

Zubiri hinted that the Senate and House panels involved in the Bicam would pull an all-nighter to consolidate the remaining un-tackled provisions of the chambers’ respective versions of the BBL.

The lawmakers would then take a respite beginning today (Friday) before meeting again for the potential big day on Wednesday, July 18. The Bicam meetings began last Monday.

“Uwi muna ako sa probinsya ko (I’ll go back home to my province first), I haven’t seen my family in a week,” he said, laughing.

Zubiri, who co-chairs the Bicam Committee with House Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas, said the secretariat has asked for two days to produce a “clean copy” of the BBL in preparation of its approval.

“We will meet again Wednesday, hopefully wala nang i-aamend pa (hopefully there’s no more need for Amendments). This is a much better proposal than what we have in the ARMM (Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao).”

The BBL is expected to be signed into law on the day of President Rodrigo Duterte’s third State of the Nation Address (SONA) on July 23.

The BBL is the enabling law of the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) between the Philippine government and secessionist group Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). It seeks to establish the Bangsamoro juridical entity, which will replace the ARMM.

Big step

Among the “big steps” that the Bicam Committee took toward the approval of the proposed BBL Thursday was the consolidation of Article X on the Bangsamoro Justice System.

“We’re happy to announce that we’re already done with the Bangsamoro Justice System…this is a very contentious article because it’s the delivery of the justice system in the Bangsamoro and part of it is through the Shari’ah court system.

“But we’d like to take note that under the approved version of the article, when it comes to the cases involving Muslims and Christians, it’s very clear that it would be the ordinary court’s–municipal trial courts, regional trial courts in the area,” Zubiri said.

He added: “We’re done already on several issues on governance, on classification of public lands, waterways for navigation, penology and penitentiary, the issues on forfeiture of seats in the parliament. We’ve already tackled also the problem on settler communities.”

Zubiri said he doesn’t see extended debates on the remaining provisions. “Konti na lang ang [deadlocks], tinatapos na lang namin (There are few deadlocks, we’re just finishing up).”

The BBL was aggressively pushed by the previous Aquino administration, but its plethora of unconstitutional provisions coupled by the unfortunate January 2015 Mamasapano, Maguindanao siege doomed its passage.

Alcohol please

Zubiri also shared just how stressful the Bicam has been for the solons, especially on Wednesday when President Rodrigo Duterte had to turn down the Bangsamoro Transition Commission’s (BTC) preference for single-majority vote inclusion on some 39 barangays in North Cotabato and six towns in Lanao del Norte in the Bangsamoro region.

“Talagang stressed na stressed kami na mag walk away sila sa negotiations (We were very stressed over the possibility that they might walk away from the negotiations),” he said.

“I was stressed last night, I could’ve used a drink actually. I would’ve wanted a whisky or sake shot,” admitted the Senate leader.

He then heaved a sigh of relief when he learned from reporters that no less than Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC) Chairman and MILF Vice Chairman Ghazali Jaafar called the BBL draft Thursday as “acceptable” and “not watered down.”

“He (Jaafar) said that? Fantastic! What a relief. For me, that’s a relief. I’m getting emotional. I was tasked to save the gains of the CAB, which is a difficult task because as legislators, we have to balance what is right and what is constitutional.

“Sometimes what we want is not exactly constitutional.”

Senate divided on whether to postpone 2019 midterm elections

The Senate is divided on the question of canceling or postponing next year’s midterm elections to clear the way for the introduction of federalism in the Philippines.

Malacañang, however, is firm about the holding of the midterms as required by the Constitution.

“As long as the date for the elections, as provided for in our Constitution, is unchanged, President Duterte will implement this and the 2019 elections will push through,” presidential spokesperson Harry Roque said on Thursday.

Roque was referring to Section 8, Article VI of the 1987 Constitution, which states that the election of the senators and the members of the House of Representatives shall be held on the second Monday of May every three years.

Alvarez’s idea

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, President Duterte’s right-hand man in the House, told reporters on Wednesday that it was difficult for him to say if the midterm would be held next year, as things depended on the choice of priority: the elections or the proposed shift to federalism through constitutional amendments.

He said it might be “practical” to postpone the elections to ease the change to federalism.

Roque said the elections could be canceled only if the proposed federal Charter was ratified earlier, in which case the 1987 Constitution would no longer have legal effect.

“But while there is no new Constitution yet, the President will see to it that there will be an election,” he said.

After questioning the suggestion of Alvarez on Wednesday, citing the constitutional provision setting the date for congressional elections, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said on Thursday that it was possible to pass a law to postpone the midterms.

Sotto noted that the provision included the phrase “unless otherwise provided by law.”

‘I stand corrected’

The phrase means there is no need for constitutional amendment to postpone the elections, he said.

“A law by both houses of Congress may be able to postpone elections, so I stand corrected” Sotto told reporters after receiving the draft federal Charter.

He said, however, that there should be determination first if Congress had enough time to discuss proposed changes to the Constitution or whether it really needed to defer the elections.

But Sen. Francis Escudero said Congress had no power to postpone the elections through a simple law, as it would need an amendment of the Constitution.

“I believe you cannot legislate it because it is clear in the Constitution that the term of a congressman lasts for three years and there should be elections every three years,” Escudero said in news forum in the Senate.

Sen. Grace Poe, in a television interview, said she believed the Senate would reject the cancellation of the elections.

The people should not accept it either, Poe said.

“We cannot really have a no-election … it’s in the Constitution. Even if they amend it in the …. House, it would still need the approval of the Senate,” she said.

‘Farcical’

Sen. Risa Hontiveros also bucked moves to postpone the midterms to allow Congress to focus on amending the Constituion, describing the moves for a change to federalism as “farcical.”

Hontiveros said there were more important issues that deserved the legislators’ attention, such as the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law now being blamed for rising prices of basic goods.

“Instead of advancing narrow political interests such as prolonging terms of public office through an unnecessary postponement of elections, what Congress needs to do is protect the people’s economic rights and welfare,” she said.

The opposition in the House said on Thursday that the suggestion of Alvarez to postpone the elections showed the real motive behind the effort to amend the Constitution.

“Term extension. This is a reward for members of Congress who will support the shift (to federalism). The conflict of interest is very clear,” Magdalo Rep. Gary Alejano, who had announced plans to run for the Senate next year, said in a Twitter post.

ACT Teachers Rep. Antonio Tinio echoed this point, saying Alvarez’s remark was “useful in that it reveals the self-interested motives of the advocates of Duterte’s push for Charter change.” —WITH REPORTS FROM JULIE M. AURELIO AND VINCE F. NONATO

Bicam OKs Senate version on Bangsamoro-DOE power sharing on energy dev’t

Under the approved provision of the bicameral panel deliberating on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL), the Bangsamoro government and the national government have joint powers over the exploration, development, and use of fossil fuels and uranium in the Bangsamoro territory.

Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, a co-chair of the panel, said the Senate version of this provision prevailed.

“What we agreed upon is the Senate version wherein the Bangsamoro government and the Department of Energy (DOE) jointly explore and utilize these resources,” Zubiri told reporters after emerging from a two-hour deliberation on BBL at the House of Representatives.

“It’s part of natural patrimony but we have to give chance to the Bangsamoro to use and explore these resources,” he added.

The approved provision was consistent with the proposal of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC), which was earlier tasked to draft a BBL version that is in line with all agreements entered and that may be entered into by the Government of the Republic of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF).

Under Article XIII, Section 10 of Senate Bill 1717, the national government, with the DOE, and the Bangsamoro government “shall adopt a competitive and transparent process for the grant of rights, privileges, and concessions in the exploration, development and utilization of fossil fuels and uranium.”

Joint body for the zones of joint cooperation

But Zubiri said the panel is yet to reach a consensus on who would chair the joint body for the zones of joint cooperation in the Sulu Sea and the Moro Gulf.

Section 17 of Article XIII states that zones of joint cooperation in the Sulu Sea and the Moro Gulf will be created, the coordinates of which will be defined by an ad hoc joint body.

Under the BTC and the Senate versions, this joint body will be headed by the Bangsamoro minister. But under House Bill 6475, the secretary of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Bangsamoro minister will become co-chairs.

Zubiri said one of the panel members, Zamboanga City 1st District Rep. Celso Lobregat, wanted the Bangsamoro minister to just be a vice chair, while the DA secretary would lead the body.

This was opposed by some Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) representatives, particularly Tawi-Tawi Rep. Ruby Sahali and Maguindanao 1st District Rep. Bai Sandra Sema.

“Their issue is social justice. Concern nila, wala na sila makain dun at least bigyan man lang sila ng equal footing to make the decision jointly… Fear siguro nila pag vice chair lang ang Bangsamoro minister, hindi sila papansinin,” Zubiri explained.

The senator said they would try to agree on the entire draft by Thursday night. Clean copies of the harmonized bills will then be prepared in the coming days, which hopefully would be up for final review and ratification by Wednesday, July 18, Zubiri added. with reports from Syrah Vivien Inocencio, Intern, INQUIRER.net



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Bicam approves creation of Shari'ah High Court in Bangsamoro

Under the proposed Bangsamoro justice system, Shari'ah or Islamic law would only be applicable to Muslims. But non-Muslims may volunteer to submit to the jurisdiction of Shari'ah courts.

The bicameral conference committee on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) approved the creation of the Shari'ah High Court in the new region.

Bicam chairperson and Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri said they already adopted Article 10, which stipulates provisions on the Bangsamoro justice system, on Thursday, July 12. (READ: How heightened emotions, stress define bicam on proposed BBL)

"We're happy to announce that we have already approved the Bangsamoro justice system.... It's a big step ha! Ilang sections ito (These include several sections). And we'd like to thank Senator [Franklin] Drilon, Senator [Aquilino] "Koko" Pimentel [III], Senator Joel Villanueva as well as the House panels who actively participated in the approval of this particular article," said Zubiri.

Shari'ah or Islamic law is the law forming part of the Islamic tradition derived from religious precepts of Islam, particularly the Qur'an and the Hadith.

Currently, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) – which the proposed Bangsamoro region would replace – already has Shari'ah appellate courts, district courts, and circuit courts. (READ: Bicam draft 'not a watered-down BBL,' says BTC chair Jaafar)

Section 7, Article 10 of the proposed BBL takes it a notch higher by creating the Shari'ah High Court, which shall have jurisdiction over the following:

• All petitions for mandamus, prohibition, injunction, certiorari, habeas corpus, and all other auxiliary writs, and processes, in aid of its appellate jurisdiction
• All actions for annulment of judgments of Shari'ah district courts

The Bangsamoro Shari'ah High Court would have exclusive appellate jurisdiction over cases handled by Shari'ah district courts in the Bangsamoro.

The document, however, also states "nothing contained [in the BBL] shall affect the original and appellate jurisdiction of the Supreme Court as provided in the constitution."

The Shari'ah High Court would be composed of 5 justices, including a presiding justice.

A person can only be a Shari'ah High Court justice if he or she is a Muslim, a natural-born Filipino at least 40 years old, and with 15 years of experience in law – with two of those years involving Shari'ah or Islamic jurisprudence.

The same requirements apply to people who wish to be Shari'ah circuit or district court judges, except for the age. Shari'ah court judges should be at least 30 years old, while district court judges should be at least 35.

If passed into law, the BBL's provisions over the Shari'ah would only apply to cases involving Muslims.

The Islamic law may also be applied to non-Muslims should they volunteer to submit to the jurisdiction of the Shari'ah courts.

Article 10 also states that traditional or tribal laws would only be applicable to disputes of indigenous peoples within the Bangsamoro.

BBL bicam approves proposed Bangsamoro justice system

The bicameral panel deliberating on the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) has approved the provision on the Bangsamoro justice system, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, co-chair of the panel, said Thursday.

Zubiri said under the approved version of Article X, cases involving Muslims and Christians would be under the jurisdiction of the ordinary trial courts.

“Under the approved version of the articles, when it comes to cases involving Muslims and Christians, it is very clear it would be the ordinary trial courts of the area,” the senator told reporters in a briefing two hours after they resumed deliberations in the House of Representatives.


The Shari’ah or Islamic law, which forms part of the Islamic tradition derived from religious precepts of Islam, particularly of the Qur’an and Hadith, will only apply to cases involving Muslims, the approved provision stated.

However, it may apply to non-Muslims who voluntarily submit to the jurisdiction of the Shari’ah courts.

Meanwhile, traditional or tribal laws will be applicable to disputes of indigenous peoples within the envisioned Bangsamoro region.

“The provisions of this article shall not prejudice the rights of non-Muslims and non-indigenous peoples,” the draft reads.

Within the territorial jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro, there will be Shari’ah High Court, district courts, and circuit courts.

Section 4 of the Article also stipulates that the Bangsamoro parliament can enact laws pertaining to personal, family and property law jurisdiction only.

The parliament is likewise conferred with the power to enact laws governing commercial and civil action not provided for under Presidential Decree No. 1083, or the Code of Muslim Personal Laws of the Philippines.



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Bicam to finalize, approve BBL report on July 17

The congressional Bicameral Conference Committee finished its deliberations on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) early Friday, House of Representatives Majority Leader Rodolfo Fariñas said.

“Yes, we finished everything in principle at 12:15 a.m.,” he said in a message to reporters.

“The Bicam Conference Committee authorized Senator (Juan Miguel) Zubiri and (me) to finalize our report and we will meet on Tuesday, July 17, for its approval and forthwith, forward it to the President for his consideration,” said Fariñas, who chairs the panel.

He said if President Rodrigo Duterte approves the final version of the BBL, it will be ratified in plenary by both chambers of Congress during the opening of the third regular session at 10 a.m. on July 23, and it would be signed into law by the President on or before his third State of the Nation Address at 4 p.m.

Zubiri said among the provisions adopted in the bicameral version of the BBL are the creation of a Shari’ah High Court, and the joint powers of the Bangsamoro government and national government over the exploration, development, and use of fossil fuels and uranium in the new region.

He also said the bicameral committee approved the 75-25 Bangsamoro and central government wealth sharing, but deleted the proposed anti-political dynasty provision.

Duterte, meanwhile, convinced congressional leaders to adopt the House version of the BBL, which provides that “the six municipalities of Lanao del Norte and the 39 barangays of North Cotabato could vote to join the BBL territory in a referendum to be conducted in the mother territory of the areas involved.”

2019 polls will push through: Palace

Malacañang on Thursday assured the Filipino people that the mid-term elections will push through in 2019, as scheduled.

Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made the assurance after President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s political ally, House of Representatives Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, suggested the postponement of the 2019 elections to give way to the possible shift to a federal form of government.

“Like what we have been saying, the President is implementer of the Constitution. Unless the date of election, as stated in the Constitution, has been not changed, the President will implement (it) -- the 2019 elections will push through,” Roque said in a Palace press briefing.

Roque said the only possibility that elections would not happen next year is if the proposed new Constitution is ratified ahead of it.

“In which case, the ’87 Constitution would cease to have legal effect. But while there is still no new Charter, the President will make sure that there will be an election,” he said.

Roque, however, clarified there is no reason for Alvarez to explain his proposal that drew strong opposition, particularly from government critics.

“There is no need to explain because we all knew that Congress is another independent branch of government,” he said.

Meanwhile, Roque said Malacañang remains optimistic that the new Constitution would be ratified by the people next year.

“And the President has said that if it is finally ratified by the people, then he will step down. He is hoping that both the Consultative Committee (ConCom) and Congress will adapt his suggestion, calling for a transitory provision, providing that the transition leader will be an elected post,” he said.

Roque said Duterte has enough allies to convince the majority of the senators to give priority to Charter change.

The President, he said, has asked both the Senate and the House of Representatives to put a provision that he will step down and there will be a transition leader to be elected by the people.

As requested by Duterte, the ConCom has modified the proposed transitory provisions to facilitate the election of a transitory president and vice president, who will take over the government right after a new federal Constitution is ratified.

Duterte has said he will step down once the new Constitution is ratified by the people and a transition leader is elected in 2019.

Last Monday, Duterte received the draft federal Constitution prepared by the 22-member ConCom for almost five months.

Once ratified, a federal-presidential form of government, where 18 federated regions including the Bangsamoro and Cordillera, will replace the present unitary-presidential system of government.

Roque has described the submission of the draft federal Constitution as a "significant step” toward realizing Duterte’s promise to shift to federalism.

Senators torpedo House Speaker’s no-el scenario

Senators thumbed down Speaker Pantaleon D. Alvarez’s proposal to scrap the May 2019 elections to give lawmakers time to tackle and pass an enabling law to shift to federalism, and other pending major bills including the national budget, which will compete for time with congressmen’s  campaign preparations.

“It is not that easy,” Senate President Vicente C. Sotto III told the BusinessMirror. “In order to do that, we have to amend the Constitution,” Sotto said, citing Article VI, Section 8, of the which, he noted “mandates elections on the second Monday of May every three years.”

“A special law or a simple one cannot amend the Constitution,” Sotto added.

Fielding questions at a Senate media forum on Thursday, Sen. Francis G. Escudero pointed out that “Congress cannot pass a law postponing the 2019 elections. If elections are to be postponed,” he added, “you need to amend the Constitution. It cannot be done by a simple law.”

Escudero explained that Congress has no power to amend the Constitution to defer scheduled elections mandated by the 1987 Charter. “That cannot be legislated because the Constitution specified the terms of elected officials. It is not like the provision for the barangay elections which says ‘unless specified’ by law.”

He did not rule out the option Congress leaders may agree to convene the Senate and the House as a constituent assembly to amend the Constitution, but acknowledged this would trigger speculations the lawmakers will be open to charges passing such legislation to promote their self-interests.

“I think Congress will be divided on this proposal to postpone elections,” Sen. Juan Edgardo M. Angara told the BusinessMirror.

Angara asserted that the Speaker’s scheme will “also require a constitutional amendment which usually cannot be done quickly, so that raises the issue of whether there is enough time to pursue the amendment.”

For his part, Sen. Emmanuel  Joel J. Villanueva recalled that since he became a member of Congress, “we never contemplated canceling the elections because of the budget or the passage of other bills.”

Villanueva added: “Election is the pillar of democracy. Filipinos exercise their right to select their leaders. I cannot think of any good reason why we should prevent the Filipinos from exercising the right to vote.”

Sen. Joseph Victor G. Ejercito, who is eyeing to be reelected for another six-year term in the 2019 polls,  also shot down the Speaker’s no-election (no-el) proposal. “Though I stand to benefit from the no-election proposal being a reelectionist, elections are referendum of public officials. People look forward to electing their leaders.”

Ejercito added it would be “very hard to justify postponment.”

This even as Ejercito admitted that running in a national elections is “very tedious and exhausting, not to mention very expensive. But it will be very hard to explain to the people why elections will not be held next year.”

Sen. Gregorio B. Honasan said its proponents should first make clear “what is the ultimate long-term objective” of a no-election scenario in 2019.

Honasan added there are “variables to consider in deciding a no-election option or go ahead with the 2019 midterm election, including financial, economic and political costs, and a productive timeline for the Senate and the House to address the national agenda.

Sen. Risa Hontiveros   also questioned the Duterte government’s priorities.

“I hope that we legislators will straighten our priorities,” Hontiveros said, adding: “What needs to be canceled is not the midterm elections but the implementation of the TRAIN law,” the Duterte administration’s tax reform measure imposing higher taxes to raise more revenues.

The senator suggested that “instead of advancing narrow political interests, such as prolonging terms of public office through an unnecessary postponement of elections, what Congress needs to do it protect the people’s economic rights.”

Moreover, Hontiveros asserted that postponing the elections to give way to tackling federalism is “a great disservice” to the proposed new system of governance. “Is this what the President’s federalism was all about all along? Pwede bang mamamayan muna bago ambisyon? [I think the electorate’s intrest should precede political ambisions],” she said.

Sen. Francis N. Pangilinan, in a text message to the BusinessMirror, confirmed he was not supporting Alvarez’s proposal to cancel the May 2019 elections.

“No, I do not. The no-election and term extension proposal benefits politicians rather than the ordinary citizens,” Pangilinan said. “Any change in the Charter should redound to the benefit not of politicians but of the common folk; otherwise it will not have the support of the people.”

“First of all, I don’t know where Congressman Alvarez is getting his facts,” said Sen. Grace Poe when asked to comment on the no election scenario under a proposed new Constitution.

Poe pointed out that”the Constitution specifically states when we are going to have elections, and 2019 is certainly an election year…you can probably amend the Constitution, but even if you do, you need the Senate vote.”

She added this raises the issue on whether the Senate and the House, convening as a constituent  assembly to amend the Constitution, will be “voting separately or jointly” on the Charter amendments.

“There are many issues involved, but it will still have to go through the process of going through the Supreme Court if it needs to be resolved,” Poe said. “But let me also remind the public that first of all, for very simple issues or laws, you have to vote separately.”

The senator cited, for instance, that Congress when renaming streets or schools vote separately.

“Something as crucial as this [Charter change], you’re voting jointly? I don’t think that was the intention of the framers, and time and again,” she said, recalling that the controversial provision was originally intended for a unicameral system.

Poe ruled out a no-election scenario, saying “the public should not accept it.”

“As Senate President Sotto said, the no-election option cannot be carried out because the Constitution mandates it. So, even if the House agrees and resets the election date, it would still need to be approved by the Senate….but as I see it, we do not want to railroad these issues. It gives a bad impression also about our country. What are we trying to do?”

At the same time, Poe played down reported claims by Alvarez that the House can make amendments by itself. “The Speaker says a lot of things, [they are] not necessarily true. Remember he is not the voice of the entire Congress. There’s the Senate that he has to deal with and our Senate President already said that is not possible.”

Misplaced

The assertion of Alvarez to cancel the 2019 elections to give time to lawmakers on the draft federal constitution and for an easier transition to a federal government is “off tangent and misplaced,” Akbayan Rep. Tom S. Villarin said, citing survey results showing the majority of Filipinos are unaware of federalism, and that the administration should instead focus on the issues affecting the country and the needs of the people.

“Speaker Alvarez blunt proposal that ‘no elections’ should be a condition for the draft federal constitution to prosper is off tangent and misplaced,” said Villarin.

“This assertion by Speaker Alvarez shows how detached is the Duterte administration to the real needs of our people. Right now, people’s priorities for the government to do is to control inflation, increase wages, generate jobs, reduce poverty, fight graft and corruption, and stand up to China,” he added.

First president

Rep. Edcel C. Lagman of Albay, for his part, denounced the creation of a Federal Transition Commission in the draft federal constitution as it allows President Duterte to be the first federal president.

“The creation of a Federal Transition Commission is a devious innovation by Duterte’s Consultative Committee to assure the transition of President Duterte as the first  federal  president since he is not prohibited from running in the first elections set on the 2nd Monday of May 2022,” the lawmaker said.

According to Lagman, this is a “veritable red flag” because unlike in the 1935, 1973 and 1987 Constitutions, where the transitory provisions were self-implementing and the mode of transition categorically spelled out, the proposed federal constitution empowers Duterte to chair a transition commission whose members are appointed by him.

With Kezhia Maglasang

Sotto: ‘We can pass a law postponing’ polls

Senate President Tito Sotto says ‘no-elections’ in 2019 possible

By Camille A. Aguinaldo
and Arjay L. Balinbin, Reporters

SENATE PRESIDENT Vicente C. Sotto III said on Thursday a law may be passed postponing the 2019 elections “if it was indeed necessary” to allow Congress more time to tackle amendments to the 1987 Constitution.Malacañang on the other hand assured the 2019 midterm elections will proceed as scheduled.

Mr. Sotto said in his press briefing on Thursday: “If we want (charter change) to be done quickly, maybe (postponing the midterm elections) is needed. We will have to see how it goes…. This is my opinion, this is not written in stone. If we call for a constituent assembly, we will need to pass a joint resolution calling for one, then we can decide if we can finish it by December or not and postpone elections. Then we can pass a law postponing elections.”

The Consultative Committee (ConCom) on Thursday turned over its proposed federal constitution to the Senate. The Senate leader added: “Perhaps Speaker (Pantaleon D. Alvarez) is thinking (of) postpon(ing) (the elections) first then we can discuss (charter change). For me, I’m saying let’s try to discuss if we can finish before the elections.”

Mr. Sotto earlier said the 1987 Constitution would have to be amended to allow a “no-election scenario” in 2019. Thereafter, he said Congress may pass legislation to postpone the polls.

According to Article 4, Section 8 of the 1987 Constitution, “unless otherwise provided by law, the regular election of the Senators and the Members of the House of Representatives shall be held on the second Monday of May.”

The Senate leader also said charter change is now a priority of the Senate when it resumes session on July 23, on top of deliberations on next year’s national budget ahead of the election campaign also next year.

“We will have to make time. The way I’m hearing from the Consultative Committee and the President, this is indeed a priority so we will have to take it up,” Mr. Sotto said.

Mr. Alvarez on Wednesday raised the possibility of postponing the 2019 midterm elections so the House of Representatives could focus on charter change, citing the expected lack of quorum in the plenary ahead of the election campaign period.

When sought for comment, Senate President and ConCom member Aquilino Q. Pimentel, Jr. said opposed the “no-election scenario” in 2019.

“I don’t like it. They’re using charter change as a reason to postpone elections. As a matter of fact, President Duterte does not want to give the people the impression that he’s using federalism to extend his term. He doesn’t like that,” Mr. Pimentel told reporters.

Several senators also rejected the suggestion to postpone the midterm elections.

Senator Grace Poe-Llamazanres said the public would not accept “any move to shortcut” the shift to federalism.“The Constitution specifically states when we are going to have the elections and 2019 is certainly an election year. You can probably amend the Constitution but even if you do, you need the Senate vote,” the senator said in a television interview.

Senator Francis G. Escudero said Charter change would need a longer time to be tackled the same way Congress worked on the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) and the tax reform law.

“So if the organic law in Muslim Mindanao and the overhaul of the National Internal Revenue Code took that long, I think we should allot the necessary time for the Constitution because all laws came from the Constitution,” he said at the Kapihan sa Senado media forum.

Senator Risa Hontiveros-Baraquel called the plan “farcical,” saying that postponing elections seemed like the President’s federalism advocacy turned out to be term extensions for his political allies.

“Instead of advancing narrow political interests, such as prolonging terms of public office through an unnecessary postponement of elections, what Congress needs to do is protect the people’s economic rights and welfare,” she said in statement. For his part, Presidential Spokesperson Harry L. Roque, Jr. said at the Palace on Thursday, “Gaya ng paulit-ulit na nating sinabi, ang Presidente po ang tagapagpatupad ng ating Saligang Batas. Hanggang hindi po mababago ang petsa ng halalan na nakasaad sa ating Saligang Batas, ipatutupad po ’yan ng Presidente. Matutuloy po ang eleksiyon ng 2019.”

(Like what we have repeatedly said, the President is the chief implementer of the Constitution. The President will abide by the holding of the elections as scheduled by in the law, unless it is amended. The 2019 elections will proceed as scheduled.)

He said the only possibility there will be no elections in 2019 is if the proposed new charter will be ratified earlier by the people. “And the President has said that if it is finally ratified by the people, then he will step down. And he is hoping that both the Consultative Committee and Congress will adapt his suggestion calling for a transitory provision providing that the transition leader will be an elected (official),” Mr. Roque said.

“In which case, the ’87 Constitution would cease to have legal effect, pero habang wala pa pong bagong Saligang Batas sisiguraduhin po ng Presidente magkaka-eleksiyon (but while there is no new constitution, the President will make sure that there will be elections),” he said.

Senate President Tito Sotto says ‘no-elections’ in 2019 possible

A no-election (“no-el”) scenario in May 2019 is possible under the present Constitution as suggested by Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez in order to facilitate the administration’s effort to change the form of government from unitary to federal, Senate President Vicente Sotto III said yesterday.

Sotto, who earlier said an amendment of the 1987 Constitution would be necessary to postpone the 2019 midterm elections, told members of the consultative committee (Concom) tasked to draft the federal charter that Congress could just pass a law for this purpose.

He cited Article VI Section 8 of the Constitution, which states that “unless otherwise provided by law, the regular election of senators and the members of the House of Representatives shall be held on the second Monday of May.”

“Therefore, we do not need a plebiscite to postpone the elections. By law, both houses of Congress shall be able to postpone the elections,” Sotto said after he was presented a copy of the draft federal
 constitution by the Concom.

Just the other day, Alvarez said the 2019 midterm elections may have to be canceled if the intention is to get the amendments to the Constitution done at the soonest possible time.

Alvarez noted how Congress would be tied up in its work immediately after President Duterte delivers his third State of the Nation Address on July 23 because they would have to start its deliberations on the proposed P3.757-trillion national budget for 2019.

By October, the legislators who will run for re-election will have to file their certificates of candidacy and in February next year, start their respective campaigns.

Sotto noted that Duterte has expressed his desire for Congress to prioritize the shift to federalism during the meeting with legislators at Malacañang the other day.

He said the President did not directly tell them to fast-track the process, but said that if it were possible, they should work on it already so that he could step down from office.

Sotto, however, said Congress would first have to agree to convene as a constituent assembly to discuss the proposed amendments to the Constitution before they can even talk about a “no-el” scenario.

“If we call for a constituent assembly, this is my opinion, this is not written in stone, if we did pass a joint resolution calling for one, then we can decide if we can finish it by December or not and postpone elections. Then, we can pass a law postponing the elections,” Sotto said.

“We will have to make time. The way I am hearing it from the (Concom) and the President, this is indeed a priority,” he added.

Sotto said he would call for an all-senator caucus before July 23 to discuss these issues.

Getting the senators to agree to convene as a constituent assembly and to cancel the elections is another thing altogether.

Sen. Grace Poe rejected the no-election scenario, saying “the public should not accept this.”

Poe said there is no need to rush the amendments to the Constitution, especially at this time when the midterm elections are just around the corner.

“We are reasonable here but I believe we don’t want to railroad this issue. It gives a bad impression about our country. What are we trying to do?” Poe said.

Sen. Francis Escudero challenged the interpretation of Sotto on Article VI Section 8 of the Constitution, which he said only pertains to the date of elections, which could be moved through legislation.

The elections, however, cannot be canceled because Article VI also contains separate provisions about the terms of senators and members of the House of Representatives and the exact month after the elections that they would assume office, according to Escudero.

The senator also noted that it is only for the barangay officials that the Constitution specifically allows Congress to set their term of office.

Like Poe, Escudero said the proposed amendments to the Constitution should not be rushed because of its importance as the fundamental law of the land.

While he personally agrees that amendments to the 31-year-old Constitution are worth studying, Escudero said he does not see any valid reason why the process should be rushed.

He also aired his doubts about the proponents of the cancelation of the elections and the extension of the terms of the elected officials getting the required number of votes from the Senate to support this.

Sen. Joseph Victor Ejercito, who is eligible for re-election next year, said he does not support the cancelation of the elections even if this would result in an extension of his term.

“Though I stand to benefit from the no-election proposal being a re-electionist, elections are a referendum of public officials. People look forward to electing their leaders. It will be very hard to justify postponement,” Ejercito said.

“Running in a national election is very tedious, exhausting and, not to mention, very expensive. Who wouldn’t want a freebie for a term extension? But it will be hard to explain to the people why elections will not be held next year,” he added.

Stand back

Malacañang yesterday distanced itself from Alvarez’s proposal to cancel the 2019 midterm polls to enable lawmakers to discuss proposals to amend the Constitution.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque said next year’s election would push through as long as the 1987 Constitution remains in effect.

“None. As we have repeatedly said, the President implements our Constitution. Unless the date of the election stated in our Constitution is changed, the election in 2019 would push through,” Roque said at a press briefing when asked whether Alvarez’s proposal had the blessing of Malacañang.

“The only possibility (that the elections will not push through) is if the proposed new constitution is ratified earlier than expected, in which case the 1987 Constitution would cease to have legal effect. But while there is no new constitution, the President will ensure that there will be an election,” he added.

Roque said Alvarez does not need to explain his proposal to Malacañang because Congress is an independent branch of government.

“And the lawmakers are also aware that the President has the obligation to implement the Constitution and other laws,” the spokesman said.

Alvarez, an ally of Duterte, has said canceling the midterm elections would allow Congress to focus on bills to amend the Constitution.

If the 2019 elections push through, Alvarez said Congress may not be able to muster a quorum for the Charter change (Cha-cha) deliberations because lawmakers would be busy campaigning.

Palace upbeat on new charter

Malacañang remains optimistic that a new constitution would be ratified next year even if some senators said Cha-cha is not a priority of the chamber.

“The President has said if it is finally ratified by the people then he will step down. And he is hoping that both the consultative committee and Congress will adapt his suggestion calling for a transitory provision, providing that the transition leader will be elected,” Roque said.

The Chief Executive, according to Roque, has enough allies in the Senate who can convince their colleagues to prioritize the discussions on constitutional amendments.

“I think we have a very good working relationship with many of our senators,” he said.

Roque said Duterte has not asked senators to fast-track the passage of bills seeking to establish a federal government.

“Anyway, the SONA (state of the nation address) will be there. So, the SONA will be the proper venue for him to lay out his legislative priority, and I’m sure it will include Charter change,” he added.

Comelec unfazed

Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is unfazed over efforts to postpone the 2019 midterm polls, saying its mandate is to prepare for the exercise.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez noted in an interview that they want to focus more on the preparations, especially since next year’s elections are less than a year away.

“The commission remains focused on the task at hand, which is to prepare for the May 2019 national and local elections,” he maintained following Alvarez’s pronouncement.

Jimenez’s statement was echoed by National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) secretary-general Eric Alvia, who underscored the need to hold elections regularly as part of the democratic process.

 “We should adhere to periodic and genuine elections,” Alvia said.

Workers oppose ‘no-el’
Workers yesterday strongly opposed plans to postpone the 2019 midterm elections, which they claimed could lead to chaos and anarchy.

Members of the Federation of Free Workers (FFW) further claimed that the postponement of elections is tantamount to defiance of the Constitution.

“The proposal… is an invitation to chaos and anarchy in the streets, as it is dangerous and has no legal basis,” the FFW said in a statement.

“With due respect,  the proposal… is an alteration of the Constitution without authorization, by amendment or revision,” it noted.

FFW stressed that the Constitution is the supreme law and all public officials, no matter how high their offices are, must bow to and not defy its mandate.

The labor group expressed its preference for constitutional convention in amending the 1987 Constitution.

The group Bagong Alyansang Makabayan (Bayan) yesterday also hit Alvarez’s proposal, saying it will be rejected by the people.

“Speaker Alvarez has provided the best argument to oppose Cha-cha. We will fight against term extensions and the lifting of term limits,” Bayan secretary-general Renato Reyes said, adding Cha-cha efforts are being used as basis for a coup by those wishing to stay in power indefinitely.

“We cannot allow such efforts to succeed. The public is encouraged to join the nationwide actions against Charter change on the day of President Duterte’s State of the Nation Address,” he added. – With Alexis Romero, Sheila Crisostomo, Mayen Jaymalin, Rhodina Villanueva

Tagum City choir to sing during 2018 Sona

THE Tagum City choir will sing the Philippine National Anthem in the upcoming State of the Nation Address (Sona) of President Rodrigo Duterte on July 23.

This was announced by House Secretary General Cesar Strait Pareja during a press conference at the House of Representatives on Thursday, July 12.

Pareja said the suggestion to have the Tagum choir sing the national anthem came from House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez who is from Tagum.

"It was a suggestion and we discussed and it's okay so they were invited," he said.

"It was a suggestion from the Speaker to depart from the usual, Maybe to showcase the talent from his district," he added.

During the press conference, Pareja said that Congress is now ready for the Sona.

"We are now ready for the most anticipated annual event of the Congress, the Sona and the opening of the third regular session," he said.

According to retired Lt. Gen. Roland Detabali, there will be a lockdown at the House of Representatives three days before the Sona just like last year.

This means that only those who have business inside the premises will be allowed to enter.

Detabali said more agencies will contribute to this year's Sona in preparation for any emergencies.

"We have more agencies, forces and equipment that can deal with any emergencies," said Detabali.

"Nandun pa rin mga x-ray machines, K9 not only coming from Congress but also from different agencies," he added.

Detabali said that although they do not see incidents related to terrorism and sabotage occurring, they are prepared should any of these happen.

Detabali said they have also recommended to the Presidential escort units to advise the President not to leave the Batasang Pambansa.

Last year, Duterte left the premises and faced the protesters minutes after he finished delivering his speech.

On why they advised the Chief executive to remain inside the Batasan he said: "Baka natuto na sila kasi last year biglaan yun e. We were not prepared but this year baka maisip nila na pwedeng gawin ni Presidente, kahit madisgrasya siguro yung ibang kasama nila e they can do it."

Detabali said Duterte might invite the leftist leaders inside the Batasan. (SunStar Philippines)

Pulong idinaos para paghandaan ang 2018 SONA

Natapos na ang inter-agency meeting para sa State of the Nation Address (SONA) 2018.

Dinaluhan ito ng mga kinatawan mula sa Malacañang, Philippine National Police (PNP), Senado, at Kamara.

Ayon kay House Secretary Atty. Cesar Pareja, pinaghahandaan nila ang worst scenario pero umaasa sila na magiging maayos ang lahat.

Aawitin ng Tagum city choir ang "Lupang Hinirang" base na rin sa rekomendasyon ni House speaker Pantaleon Alvarez.

Nagsimula na ring magpamigay ng imbitasyon, kabilang ang kay Vice President Leni Robredo.

Inihahanda na rin ang holding room ni Robredo sakaling dumalo siya.

Nasa 3,000 ang inaasahang bisita sa SONA kung saan pinakikiusapan sila na magsuot ng simpleng damit.

Tatlumpung minuto bago ang SONA ay isasara na ang plenaryo ng Kamara.

Apat na caterer ang naimbitahan para sa food tasting.

Pinaghahandaan na rin ng House security ang gagawin sakaling lumabas ulit ng Batasan Pambansa ang pangulo matapos ang kaniyang SONA para makipag-usap sa mga demonstrador.

Nag-ocular inspection na rin sa Kamara nitong Huwebes ang director ng SONA na si Joyce Bernal.

Gusto ni Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte na maging makabayan o patriotic ang SONA ngayong taon. -- Ulat ni Robert Mano, ABS-CBN News

Tagum City Chamber Chorale to sing national anthem for Duterte's 3rd SONA

The award-winning Tagum City Chamber Chorale will sing the national anthem for President Rodrigo Duterte's 3rd State of the Nation Address (SONA).

In a press conference on Thursday, July 12, House Secretary-General Cesar Pareja said Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez himself suggested the choir to be invited to sing during the SONA on July 23.

Alvarez, Duterte's ally who is also Davao del Norte 1st District representative, hails from Tagum City.

"It was a suggestion [from the Speaker] and they discussed it and it's okay. So they were invited. [The Speaker suggested them] to depart from the usual that we do [during the SONA]," said Pareja.

Last year, Maguindanaoan tribe member Monaliza Adam Mangelen, a staff member of the House's Human Resource Management Service, sang the "Lupang Hinirang." Musician Bayang Barrios-Villegas, a Manobo, sang the national anthem for Duterte's 1st SONA.

Sunstar reported that the Tagum City Chamber Chorale bested 19 other countries during the Sing 'N Pray International Chorale Competition held in Kobe, Japan last January.

The choir was formed in 2013 under then-Tagum City mayor Allan Rellon.

Preparations are ongoing for Duterte's 3rd SONA, with security expected to be tight at the Batasang Pambansa.

Blockbuster movie director Joyce Bernal, who was chosen to direct the SONA, inspected the venue on Thursday. She promised to capture "how much Duterte loves the Philippines" in her direction of the event.

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Primex Breaks Ground for San Juan Office Tower

In a statement issued Wednesday, the listed property developer said it has broken ground for the Primex Tower. The 50-storey office project will stand on a 1,944-square meter lot at the corner of EDSA, Connecticut Street, and Florida Street at the Greenhills commercial district.

Primex Tower is set to offer around 41,000 square meters (sq.m.) of leasable spaces with a cut of 200 to 300 sq.m each. Offices will be spread out across 37 floors, while 12 floors will be dedicated for above-ground and basement parking.

The project — envisioned to be the tallest one in the city — is expected to be completed in the next four to five years. Primex’s subsidiary Primex Realty Corp. is in charge of its development.

The tower will also feature designs in line with Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) standards. This includes surrounding the building with 90% double-gazed glass with vacuum in-between that reduces heat and noise penetration. In turn, the reduced heat gain will enhance the efficiency of the air-conditioning system in the building.

Davide pleased with ‘most spectator-friendly’ tag given to Ironman Cebu

CEBU PROVINCE Governor Hilario Davide III was delighted with the news that Cebu was voted by the Ironman community all over the world as the most spectator-friendly race among other Ironman races worldwide.

According to Cebu Capitol Protocol and Events Officer Mary Grace Paulino, the governor congratulated Sunrise Events, Inc. (SEI) general manager Princess Galura for the achievement yesterday when her team paid the governor a visit at his office.

SEI invited Davide to fire the gun for the start of the Regent Aguila Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championship at the Shangri-La’s Resort and Spa Cebu in Lapu-Lapu City on August 5, to which the governor gave his nod.

“He was very pleased and congratulated Princess,” said Paulino.

As part of its 40th anniversary, Ironman conducted a poll on its Facebook page wherein it asked members of the Ironman community which among the Ironman races around the world has the friendliest spectators.

“In our latest 40th anniversary Facebook poll, we asked YOU, the IRONMAN community, for your favorite spectator-friendly race from a list of options. Even with races like the highly popular IRONMAN European Championship, Frankfurt and IRONMAN Austria, as well as Canada’s late-summer IRONMAN Mont-Tremblant, it was a little race in Cebu, Philippines that topped the results,” a statement at m.asia.ironman.com read.

The news was a big boost to the race, which hit a snag late last month when it had issues with the route for the 90-kilometer bike phase of the race. The issue was settled recently as SEI found a new route within the cities of Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue.

“Organizing the Ironman event in Cebu is like participating in the Ironman itself. With so many LGUs and stakeholders involved, it takes months of preparations to ensure success and, even then, new and unexpected challenges almost turn up year in and year out. To receive this recognition validates all the planning, coordination, hard work and sacrifice put into its success, and is a true testament to the Filipino “bayanihan” spirit and the heights Cebu can achieve working together,” said Atty. Mark Tolentino, the Cebu provincial administrator, who has been tasked by Gov. Davide to personally oversee the Ironman races.

Galura said that SEI was only informed that Ironman was conducting such poll two weeks ago.

“I think we were able to already imbibe in the community that rather than seeing it as an inconvenience, welcoming it is a much better frame of mind,” said Galura.

Cebu has been hosting the Ironman 70.3 since 2012 and in 2016, when it first hosted the Asia Pacific Championship, it earned the title “Crown jewel of Asia,” a title that Cebu continues to hold until now.



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Affecting love, infecting disease

It’s getting to be complicated the love story among Jennylyn Mercado, Mark Herras, Tom Rodriguez and LJ Reyes on the GMA series “The Cure.” Aside from the growing number of the infected, viewers are now more affected by the love story of the lead stars playing Charity, Greg, Darius and Katrina.

Darius is now falling for Charity, thinking that her husband Greg is already dead. LJKatrina, on the other hand, is trying her best to hide from Greg the fact that Charity is still alive.

Meanwhile, will Elizabeth (Jaclyn Jose) find the cure for the epidemic afflicting their community? “The Cure” airs weeknights on GMA Telebabad.

• • •

Band-orchestra extravaganza

The Cultural Center of the Philippines is hosting the “Banda Rito, Banda Roon,” the Band and Orchestra Festival 2018 on July 20 to 22. Over 700 young musical artists from 14 groups across the country are slated to perform.

There will be three main events: the Gala Concert of Orchestras on July 20 at the Main Theater; the Youth Symphonic Band Concert I, July 21 at the Little Theater; and the Youth Symphonic Band Concert II, July 22 also at the Little Theater. Parallel events are the Open Air Brass Exhibition on July 21 at the CCP Ramp, and the Music Fair from July 20 to 21 at the Little Theater Lobby.

The participating groups in the festival are the Lasallian Youth Orchestra, the San Beda College Alabang Symphony Orchestra, the Seven Spirit Kids Orchestra (Cebu), and the Manila Symphony Junior. There will also be small brass ensemble performances at the Little Theater Lobby during the Music Fair on July 20 to 21.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, July 12, go to Don Ado Escudero, Agnes Rustia, Trina Kalaw, Dr. Chari Ballencer, Amanda Cunanan, PJ Dacuycuy, Cathy Garcia, Carmen Macaulay, Velma Selga, Sunshine Dacudao, Armand Reyes, Tanya Plastina, Juan Hildalgo, Erwin Amboy, Corrs Ebora-Valenton, Froilan Fuentes and Susan Grau…July 13: Ben, Barbara and Benedict Yalong, Dr. Venson Pineda, Lalaine Vitug, Claire Macaraeg, Zeny Iglesias, Jody Manuel, Gregory Salterio, Laurie Tan, Maria Teresa Tan, RK Villacorta, Rey Cristobal, Franz Manatac and Vicky Morales…

A primer: Unpacking federalism

By the Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism

THE PHILIPPINES has a total land area of about 300,000 square kilometer (sq km).

This is according to the cadastral survey and estimated land areas certified and provided to the Department of Budget and Management by the Land Management Bureau, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, as of December 2013.

Nearly half or 43% consists of mainland Luzon and the islands of Mimaropa, 40% Mindanao, and 17% the Visayas island group (Western, Central, and Eastern Visayas, and Negros Island).

Among the proposed federated regions, the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will be the largest in terms of land area at 36,650.95 sq km or 12.2% of the country’s total land area, while the National Capital Region is the smallest at 619.54 sq km (0.21%).

By province, Palawan is the largest in terms of land area at 17,030.75 sq km, followed by Lanao del Sur, 15,055.51 sq km; Isabela, 13,102.05 sq km; Bukidnon, 10,498.59 sq km; and Agusan del Sur at 9,989.52 sq km.

Of the generally smaller island provinces, Batanes is the smallest, at 203.22 sq km, followed by Camiguin, 241.44 sq km; Siquijor, 337.49 sq km; Biliran, 536.01 sq km, and Guimaras, 611.87 sq km.

Here’s how the regions rank, from biggest to smallest, by land area:

POPULATION

The Philippine population has reached more than 100 million, according to the 2015 Census of Population (POPCEN 2015) of the Philippine Statistic Authority. Over half or 57% reside in Luzon, 23% in the Visayas, and 20% in Mindanao.

Under the proposed federal system, Calabarzon will be the largest federated region in terms of population, with 14 million people (14.3% of total population), while the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) will be the smallest with 1.7 million (1.71%).

Provinces with or near metropolitan areas usually have large populations. Cebu is currently the largest province in terms of population with 4.6 million people, followed by Cavite with 3.6 million; Bulacan, 3.2 million; Negros Occidental, 3.31 million; and Laguna, three million.

Batanes meanwhile is the smallest province in terms of population, with just 17,246 people, followed by Camiguin, 88,478; Siquijor, 95,984; Apayao, 119,184; and the Dinagat Islands, 127,152.

Here’s how the regions rank, from largest to smallest, by population:

POPULATION DENSITY

The current national population density stands at 337 people per sq km.

Among the proposed federated regions, the National Capital Region (NCR) is the most densely populated with 20,785 people per sq km, while CAR is the least densely populated at 87 people per sq km.

Provinces with or near metropolitan areas are also some of the most densely populated: Rizal province has the highest population density at 2,439 people per sq km, followed by Cavite, 2,410 people per sq km; Laguna, 1,574 people per sq km; Pampanga, 1,264 people per sq km; and Bulacan, 1,183 people per sq km.

Apayao is the least densely populated province with 26 people per sq km, followed by Abra at 57 people per sq km; and Kalinga, Mountain Province, and Palawan, all with 65 people per sq km.

Some regions are more crowded than others. Here’s how they rank, by population density:

POPULATION GROWTH RATE

The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) defines population growth rate as “how fast a population increases or decreases as a result of the interplay of births, deaths, and migration during a given period of time.”

By the data in POPCEN 2015, the provinces with the highest average annual population growth rates are Maguindanao at 4.4%; Cavite, 3.54%; Basilan, 3.39%; Rizal, 3.03%; and Sulu, 2.8%.

The provinces with the lowest average annual population growth rates are the Mountain Province and Dinagat Islands, both at 0.05%; Abra, 0.54%; Marinduque, 0.58%; and Romblon, 0.62%.

Stats on the state of the regions

NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION
Fast Facts (Rank among 18 regions):
Land Area: 727.25 sq km (No. 18)
Population: 13,471,342 (Rank No. 2)
Population density: 20,785 persons per sq km (No. 1)

The National Capital Region (Metro Manila) will be assigned as the federal capital of the Philippines. For statistical purposes, PSA grouped the 19 cities and two municipalities of NCR into four districts: 1st District, City of Manila; 2nd District, Mandaluyong City, Marikina City, Pasig City, Quezon City, and San Juan City; 3rd District, Caloocan City, Malabon City, Meycauayan City, Navotas City, Obando, and Valenzuela City; and 4th District, Las Piñas City, Makati City, Muntinlupa City, Parañaque City, Pasay City, Pateros, San Pedro City and Taguig City.

NCR will be the smallest federated region in terms of land area at 619.54 sq km (0.21% of the country’s total population) but will have the second largest population at 12.9 million (12.8% of the country’s total population) as of POPCEN 2015. With a population density of 20,785 people per sq km, however, NCR will be the most densely populated region in the country.

NCR’s second district is the largest of NCR’s four districts in terms of land area, at 257 sq km (41% of NCR’s total land area), followed by the fourth district at 210 sq km (34%); the third district at 127 sq km (21%); and the city of Manila at 25 sq km (4%).

NCR’s second district also has the largest population, with 4,650,613 people (36% of NCR’s total population), followed by the fourth district with 3,627,104 (28%); the third district with 2,819,388 (22%); and the city of Manila, 1,780,148 (14%). The second district’s population is even larger than that of Cebu, the most populous province in the country.

The district of the City of Manila is the most densely populated, however, with 71,263 people per sq km. It is followed by NCR’s third district at 22,118 people per sq km; the second district at 18,101 people per sq km; and the fourth district at 17,259 people per sq km.

CORDILLERA ADMINISTRATIVE REGION
Fast Facts (Rank among 18 regions):
Land Area: 19,818 sq km (No. 10)
Population: 1.72 million (No. 18)
Population density: 87 persons per sq km (No. 18)

The Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) will comprise the provinces of Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Apayao, and Mountain Province.

It will be the ninth smallest federated region in terms of land area, with 19,818 sq km (5.70% of the country’s total land area), and also the least populated, with 1,722,006% (1.71% of the country’s total population) as of POPCEN 2015.

With just 87 people per sq km, CAR will also be the least densely populated federated region. In fact, four of the least populated provinces in the country are in CAR: Apayao, Abra, Kalinga, and Mountain Province.

Apayao is the largest province in CAR in terms of land area, with 4,502 sq km (23% of the region’s total land area), followed by Abra with 4,200 sq km (23%); Kalinga 3,282 sq km (17%); Benguet 2,827 sq km (14%); Ifugao 2,618 sq km (13%); and Mountain Province 2,389 sq km (12%).

Benguet, however, has the largest population among the provinces in CAR, with 791,590 people (46% of the region’s total population). It is followed by Abra with 241,160 people (14%); Kalinga 21,680 (12%); Ifugao 202,802 (12%); Mountain Province 154,590 (9%); and Apayao 119,184 (7%) as of POPCEN 2015.

Almost half of CAR’s total population live in Benguet, the region’s third smallest province. This makes it the most densely populated province in the region, with 280 people per sq km, or almost thrice the region’s population density. Ifugao ranks second, at 77 people per sq km, followed by Kalinga and Mountain Province, both with population densities of 65 people per sq km, and then Abra at 57 people per sq km. Apayao is the least densely populated province, not just in CAR but also in the whole country, at 26 people per sq km.

Benguet has the highest average annual population growth rate in CAR as well, at 1.84%, followed by Ifugao at 1.2%; Apayao at 1.14%; and Kalinga at 1.07%. Mountain Province has the lowest average annual population growth rate, not just in CAR but also in the whole country, at 0.05%, while Abra has the second lowest, at 0.54%.

ILOCOS REGION
Fast Facts: (Rank among 18 regions)
Land Area: 12,964 sq km (No. 15)
Population: 5.03 million (No. 6)
Population density: 388 persons per sq km (No. 5)

The Federated Region of Ilocos will comprise the current provinces of Region I: Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan. It will be the fourth smallest federated region in terms of land area, with 12,964.62 sq km (3.73% of the country’s total land area) and the sixth largest in terms of population, at 5,026,128 (4.98% of the country’s total population) as of POPCEN 2015. Ilocos Region ranks fifth in terms of population density, with 388 people per sq km.

Pangasinan is the largest province in the proposed federated region of Ilocos in terms of land area, with 5,450.59 sq km (42% of Ilocos’s total land area), followed by Ilocos Norte with 3418.75 sq km (26%); Ilocos Sur 2,596 sq km (14%), and La Union 1,499.28 sq km (12%).

Pangasinan is also the largest province in terms of population, with 2,956,726 people (59% of Ilocos’s total population), followed by La Union with 786,653 (16%); Ilocos Sur with 689,668 (14%); and Ilocos Norte with 593,081 (12%) as of POPCEN 2015.

Almost 60% of Ilocos’s population occupy only 40% of the region’s land area. Pangasinan is the most densely populated province in Ilocos, at 542 people per sq km, followed by La Union at a close 525 people per sq km; Ilocos Sur at 266 people per sq km; and Ilocos Norte at 173 people per sq km.

Pangasinan has the highest average annual population growth rate in the Ilocos Region at 1.24%, followed by La Union at 1.18%; Ilocos Sur at 0.93%; and Ilocos Norte at 0.87%.

CAGAYAN VALLEY
Fast Facts (Rank among 18 regions):
Land Area: 19,818 sq km (No. 10)
Population: 3.45 million (No. 15)
Population density: 116 persons per sq km (No. 15)

The Federated Region of Cagayan Valley will comprise the current provinces of Region II: Batanes, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino.

It will be the second largest federated region with 29,836.88 sq km (8.58% of the country’s total land area) and the fourth smallest in terms of population, with 3,451,410 people (3.42% of the country’s total population) as of POPCEN 2015. Cagayan Valley ranks 15th in terms of population density, at 116 people per sq km.

Isabela is the largest province in the proposed federated region of Cagayan Valley in terms of land area, with 13,102.05 sq km (44% of the region’s total land area), followed by Cagayan with 9,398.07 sq km (31%); Nueva Vizcaya with 4,813.88 sq km (16%), and Quirino with 2,319.66 sq km (8%).

The province of Batanes, located in the group of islands north of mainland Luzon, is the smallest province not only in Cagayan Valley, but also in the entire Philippines, with 203.22 sq km (1% of the region’s total land area).

Isabela is also the largest province in Cagayan Valley in terms of population, with 1,593,566 people (46% of the region’s total population), followed by Cagayan with 1,199,320 (35%); Nueva Vizcaya 452,287 (13%); and Quirino, 188,991 (5%). Again, Batanes is the smallest province in Cagayan Valley (and in the Philippines) in terms of population, at 17,246 (0.50% of the region’s total population) as of POPCEN 2015.

In terms of population density, Cagayan ranks first, at 128 people per sq km, followed by Isabela at 122 people per sq km; Nueva Vizcaya at 94 people per sq km; Batanes at 85 people per sq km; and Quirino at 81 people per sq km.

Nueva Vizcaya has the highest average annual population growth rate in Cagayan Valley, at 1.43%, followed by Isabela at 1.36%; Quirino at 1.34%; Cagayan at 1.29%; and Batanes, at 0.76%.

CENTRAL LUZON
Fast Facts (Rank among 18 regions):
Land Area: 21,906 sq km (No. 6)
Population: 11.22 million (No. 3)
Population density: 512 persons per sq km (No. 4)

The Federated Region of Central Luzon will consist of the provinces of Region III: Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, and Zambales. It will be the sixth largest federated region in terms of total land area, with 21,906 sq km (6.30% of the country’s total land area) and the third largest in terms of population, with 11,218,177 people (11.11% of the country’s total population) as of POPCEN 2015. Central Luzon currently ranks third in terms of population density, at 512 people per sq km.

Nueva Ecija is the largest province in Central Luzon in terms of land area, with 5,689.69 sq km (26% of the region’s land area), followed by Zambales with 3,815.35 (17%); Aurora with 3,133.4 (14%); Tarlac 3,046.49 (14%); Bulacan 2,783.69 (13%); Pampanga 2,064.59 (9%); and Bataan 1,372.98 (6%).

Bulacan, though, is the largest province in Central Luzon in terms of population, with 3,292,071 people (29% of the region’s total population), followed by Pampanga with 2,609,744 (23%); Nueva Ecija with 2,151,461 (19%); Tarlac with 1,366,027 (12%); Zambales with 823,888 (7%); Bataan with 760,650 (7%), and Aurora with 214,336 (2%) as of POPCEN 2015.

With almost a quarter of Central Luzon’s population but only a tenth of its land area, Pampanga is the most densely populated province in the region, with 1,264 people per sq km. Bulacan ranks second, with 1,183 people per sq km, followed by Bataan with 554 people per sq km; Tarlac 448; Nueva Ecija 378; and Zambales 216. Aurora is the least populated province in Central Luzon, with 68 people per sq km.

Bulacan’s average annual population growth rate is also the highest among the provinces in Central Luzon, at 2.4%, followed by Pampanga at 2.2%; Bataan at 2.04%; Nueva Ecija at 1.93%; Zambales at 1.74%; Tarlac at 1.42%; and Aurora at 1.27%.

CALABARZON
Fast Facts (Rank among 18 regions):
Land Area: 16,576 sq km (No. 13)
Population: 14.41 million (No. 1)
Population density: 870 persons per sq km (No. 2)

The Federated Region of Calabarzon will comprise the current provinces in the current Region IV-A: Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon.

It will be the sixth smallest federated region in terms of land area, at 16,576 sq km (4.77% of the country’s total land area), but the largest in terms of population, at 14,414,774 (14.27% of the country’s total population) as of POPCEN 2015. With a population density of 870 people per sq km (thrice the national population density), Calabarzon will be the second most densely populated federated region in the country, next to NCR.

The province of Quezon is the largest in Calabarzon in terms of land area, at 16,576.26 sq km (53% of Calabarzon’s total land area), followed by Batangas at 3,115.05 km (19%), Laguna at 1,928.23 km (1%), Cavite at1,526.28 sq km (9%), and Rizal at 1,182.65 km (7%).

Cavite is the largest province in Calabarzon in terms of population, at 3,678,301 (26% of Calabarzon’s population) followed by Laguna at 3,035,081 (21%); Rizal at 2,884,227 (20%), Batangas at 2,694,335 (19%); and Quezon, at 2,122,830 (15%). Cavite and Laguna also rank third and fifth, respectively, among the provinces in the country in terms of population.

With a fifth of Calabarzon’s population living in just 7% of its land area, Rizal ranks first in terms of population density, with 2,439 people per sq km, followed by Cavite at 2,410 people per sq km; Laguna at 1,574; and Batangas at 865 people.

With a land area covering more than half of Calabarzon and only 15% of the region’s population, the province of Quezon is the least densely populated in the region, at 241 people per sq km.

Cavite has the highest average annual population growth rate among the provinces in Calabarzon, with 3.54%, followed by Rizal at 3.03%; Laguna 2.6%; Batangas 2.53; and Quezon 1.33 %.

Cavite ranks second, after Maguindanao, in terms of average annual population growth rate; Rizal ranks fourth, after Basilan.

MIMAROPA
Fast Facts (Rank among 18 regions):
Land Area: 29,606 sq km (No. 2)
Population: 2.96 million (No. 17)
Population density: 100 persons per sq km (No. 17)

The Federated Region of Mimaropa will comprise the provinces in the current Region IV-B: Occidental Mindoro and Oriental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, and Palawan.

It will be the third largest federated region in terms of land area, with 29,606 sq km (8.52% of the country’s total land area) but the third smallest in terms of population, with 2,596,709 (2.57% of the country’s total population) as of POPCEN 2015. With a population density of 100 people per sq km, Mimaropa will be the second least densely populated region in the country, next to CAR.

Palawan is the largest province in Mimaropa, as well as in the country, with a land area of 17,031 sq km (58% of the region’s total land area). Occidental Mindoro ranks second largest in the region, at 5,851 sq km (20%), followed by Occidental Mindoro at 4,238 sq km (14%); Romblon 1,533 sq km (5%); and Marinduque at 953 sq km (3%).

Palawan also has the largest population in Mimaropa, with 1,104,585 people (37% of the region’s total population). It is followed by Oriental Mindoro with 844,059 (28%); Occidental Mindoro, with 487,414 (16%); Romblon, 292,781 (10%), and Marinduque with 234,521 (8%).

Marinduque is the most densely populated province in Mimaropa, at 246 people per sq km, followed by Oriental Mindoro at 199 people per sq km; Romblon, 191;and Occidental Mindoro, 83.

With more than a quarter of the region’s total population living in nearly three-fifths of its land area, Palawan is the least densely populated province in Mimaropa, at 65 people per sq km. Palawan is also tied with Kalinga and Mountain Province (in CAR) for being the third least densely populated provinces in the country.

Palawan has the highest average annual population growth rate among the provinces in Mimaropa, at 2.13%, followed by Occidental Mindoro, 1.48%; Oriental Mindoro, 1.45%; Romblon, 0.62%; and Marinduque, 0.58%.

BICOL REGION
Fast Facts (Rank among 18 regions):
Land Area: 18,114 sq km (No. 11)
Population: 5.80 million (No. 5)
Population density: 320 persons per sq km (No. 8)

The Federated Region of Bicol will comprise the provinces in the current Region V: Albay, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Masbate, and Sorsogon.

Bicol Region will be the eighth smallest federated region in terms of land area, at 18,114 sq km (5.21% of the country’s total land area) and a population of 5,796,989 (5.74% of the country’s total population) as of POPCEN 2015. Bicol will rank eighth in terms of population density, at 320 people per sq km.

Camarines Sur is the largest province in Bicol in terms of land area, at 2,277.93 sq km (30% of Bicol’s total land area), followed by Masbate at 4,139 sq km (23%); Albay at 2,575 sq km (14%); Camarines Norte at 2,278 sq km (13%); Sorsogon at 2,119 sq km (12%); and Catanduanes at 1,492 sq km (8%).

Camarines Sur also has the largest population among the provinces in Bicol Region, with 1,952,544 people (34% of the region’s total population); followed by Albay with 1,314,826 (23%); Masbate, 892,393 (15%); Sorsogon, 792,949 (14%); Camarines Norte, 583,313 (10%); and Catanduanes, 260,964 (5%).

Albay is the most densely populated province in Bicol, with 511 people per sq km, followed by Sorsogon with 374 people per sq km; Camarines Sur, 354; Camarines Norte, 256; Masbate, 216, and Catanduanes, 175.

Camarines Norte has the highest average annual population growth rate among the provinces in Bicol, at 1.45%, followed by Camarines Sur at 1.39%; Sorsogon, 1.37%; Masbate, 1.35%; Albay, 1.29%; and Catanduanes, 1.16%.

Western Visayas
Fast Facts (Rank among 18 regions):
Land Area: 12,773 sq km (No. 16)
Population: 4.48 million (No. 10)
Population density: 351 persons per sq km (No. 6)

The Federated Region of Western Visayas will comprise five of the six provinces in the current Region VI: Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, and Iloilo.

It will be third smallest federated region in terms of land area, at 12,773 sq km (3.67% of the country’s total land area) and the ninth smallest in terms of population, with 4,477,247 people (4.43% of the country’s total population). Eastern Visayas will rank sixth in terms of population density, at 351 people per sq km.

Iloilo will be the largest province in Western Visayas in terms of land area, at 5,076 sq km (40% of the region’s total land area), followed by Antique at 2,731 sq km (21%); Capiz, 2,595 (20%), and Aklan, 1,760 (14%). The island province of Guimaras is the smallest in Western Visayas and the fifth smallest in the country, with a land area of 612 sq km (5% of the region’s total land area).

Iloilo also has the largest population in Western Visayas, with 2,384,415 people (53% of the region’s total population), followed by Capiz with 761,384 (17%); Antique, 582,012 (13%) and Aklan, 574,823 (13%); and Guimaras, 174,613 (4%).

Iloilo is also the most densely populated province in the region, with 470 people per sq km, followed by Aklan, 327; Capiz, 293; Guimaras, 285; and Antique, 213.

Aklan has the highest average annual population growth rate among the provinces in Western Visayas, at 1.42%, followed by Guimaras at 1.39%; Iloilo, 1.35%; Antique, 1.28%; and Capiz, 1.13%.

CENTRAL VISAYAS
Fast Facts (Rank among 18 regions):
Land Area: 10,452 sq km (No. 17)
Population: 6.04 million (No. 4)
Population density: 578 persons per sq km (No. 3)

The Federated Region of Central Visayas will have three of the four provinces in the current Region VII: Bohol, Cebu, and Siquijor.

Central Visayas will be the second smallest federated region in terms of land area, with 10,452 sq km (3.01% of the country’s total land area), but the fourth largest in terms of population, with 6,041,903 people (5.98% of the country’s total population). With a population density of 578 people per sq km, Central Visayas will be the third most densely populated federated region in the country.

Cebu is the largest province in terms of land area, with 5,342 sq km (51% of the region’s total land area) as well as population, with 4,632,359 people (77% of the region’s total population). Cebu is also the most densely populated province in the region, with 867 people per sq km, and has the highest average annual population growth rate, at 2.14%. In addition, Cebu has the largest population among the country’s provinces.

Bohol comes second in terms of land area, with 4,772.52 sq km (46% of the region’s total land area), as well as in population, with 1,313,560 people (22% of the region’s total population). It is, however, the least densely populated province, with 275 people per sq km, and has the lowest average annual growth rate in the region, at 0.91%.

Siquijor will be the smallest province in the region, with just 337.49 sq km of land area (3% of the region’s total land area), and in terms of population — 95,984 people or 2% of the region’s total population. Its population density is currently at 284 people per sq km and its average annual population growth rate is at 1.06%. Among the country’s smallest provinces, Siquijor ranks third in terms of land area.

EASTERN VISAYAS
Fast Facts (Rank among 18 regions):
Land Area: 23,234 sq km (No. 3)
Population: 4.44 million (No. 10)
Population density: 191 persons per sq km (No. 13)

Eastern Visayas will comprise the provinces of the current Region VIII: Eastern Samar, Northern Samar, Western Samar, Leyte, Southern Leyte, and Biliran.

It will be the fourth largest federated region in terms of land area, with 23,235 sq km (6.68% of the country’s total land area), but the eighth smallest in terms of population, with 4,440,150 people (4.40% of the country’s total population). Eastern Visayas will rank 13th in terms of population density, at 191 people per sq km.

Leyte is the largest province in Eastern Visayas in terms of land area, with 6,537 sq km (28% of the region’s total land area), followed by Western Samar with 780,481 sq km (26%); Eastern Visayas, 4,617 sq km (20%); Northern Samar, 3,695 sq km (16%), and Southern Leyte, 1,801 sq km (8%). The island province of Biliran is the smallest in the region, as well as the fourth smallest in the country, with a land area of 536 sq km.

Leyte also has the largest population among the provinces in Eastern Visayas, with 1,966,768 people (44% of the region’s total population), followed by Western Samar with 780,481 (18%); Northern Samar, 632,379 (14%); Eastern Samar, 467,160 (11%); Southern Leyte, 421,750 (9%); and Biliran, 171,612 (4%).

Biliran is the most densely populated province with 320 people per sq km, followed by Leyte with 301 people per sq km; Southern Leyte, 234; Northern Samar, 171; Western Samar, 129; and Eastern Samar, 101.

Leyte has the highest average annual population growth rate among the provinces in Eastern Samar, at 1.91%, followed by Eastern Samar at 1.72%; Northern Samar, 1.43%; Western Samar, 1.25%; Biliran, 1.19%; and Southern Leyte, 1.11%.

NEGROS ISLAND REGION
Fast Facts (Rank among 18 regions):
Land Area: 13,425 sq km (No. 14)
Population: 4.41 million (No. 12)
Population density: 329 persons per sq km (No. 7)

The Federated Region of Negros Island (NIR) will comprise the provinces of Negros Occidental (currently in Region VI) and Negros Oriental (currently in Region VII).

Then President Benigno S. Aquino III’s Executive Order No. 183 actually created NIR in 2015, but this was suspended by President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s EO 83 in 2016.

NIR will be the fifth smallest among the proposed federated regions in terms of land area, with 13,425.4 sq km (4.48% of the country’s total land area) and the seventh smallest in terms of population, with 4,414,313 people (4.37% of the country’s total population). It will rank seventh in terms of population density, at 329 people per sq km.

Negros Occidental is the larger of the two Negros provinces, with a land area of 8,005 sq km and population of 3,059,136 (the fourth largest in the country). It also has the higher population density, at 382 people per sq km, but has the lower average annual growth rate, at 1.02%.

Negros Oriental has a land area of 5,421 sq km, a population of 1,354,995, a population density of 250 people per sq km, and an average annual growth rate of 1.04 people.

ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA
Fast Facts: (Rank among 18 regions)
Land Area: 16,576 sq km (No. 13)
Population: 3.63 million (No. 14)
Population density: 215 persons per sq km (No. 11)

The Federated Region of Zamboanga Peninsula will comprise the provinces in the current Region IX — Zamboanga del Norte, Zamboanga del Sur, and Zamboanga Sibugay — as well as the component city of Isabela in the province of Basilan (part of ARMM).

It will be the seventh smallest region in terms of land area, with 16,904 sq km (4.86% of the country’s total land area) and fifth smallest in terms of population, with 3,629,783 people (3.59% of the country’s total population). Zamboanga Peninsula will rank 11th in terms of population density, with 215 people per sq km.

Zamboanga del Norte will be the region’s largest province in terms of land area, with 7,300 sq km (43% of the region’s total land area), followed by Zamboanga del Sur with 5,899 sq km (35%), and Zamboanga Sibugay at 3,481 sq km (21%). The component city of Isabela has a land area of 224 sq km.

Zamboanga del Sur has the largest population, with 1,872,473 people (52% of the region’s total population), followed by Zamboanga del Norte with 1,011,393 (28%); and Zamboanga Sibugay with 633,129 (17%). Isabela City has a population of 112,788 (3% of the region’s population) as of POPCEN 2015.

With more than half of the region’s population living in a third of its land area, Zamboanga del Sur is also the most densely populated province in Zamboanga Peninsula, at 317 people per sq km, followed by Zamboanga Sibugay at 182 people per sq km, and Zamboanga del Norte, at 139 people per sq km. Isabela City has a population density of 504 people per sq km, almost twice of the regional average.

Zamboanga Sibugay has the highest average annual population growth rate among the provinces in Zamboanga Peninsula, at 1.65%, followed by Zamboaga del Sur at 1.17% and Zamboanga del Norte at 1.09%. Isabela City, however, beats them all with its average annual population growth rate of 2.88%.

NORTHERN MINDANAO
Fast Facts: (Rank among 18 regions)
Land Area: 20,458 sq km (No. 8)
Population: 4.69 million (No. 9)
Population density: 229 persons per sq km (No. 10)

The Federated Region of Northern Mindanao will comprise the provinces of the current Region X, namely, Bukidnon, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, and Misamis Oriental.

It will be the eighth largest federated region in terms of land area, with 20,459 sq km (5.88% of the country’s total land area) and population, with 4,689,302 people (4.64% of the country’s total population). Northern Mindanao will rank 10th in terms of population density, at 229 people per sq km.

Bukidnon is the largest province in Northern Mindanao in terms of land area, at 10,498.59 sq km (51% of the region’s total land area), followed by Lanao del Norte at 4,168 sq km (20%), Misamis Oriental at 3,544 sq km, and Misamis Occidental at 2,007 sq km. The island province of Camiguin is the smallest in the region, and second smallest in the country, in terms of land area, at 241.44 sq km (1% of the region’s total land area).

Misamis Oriental has the largest population, with 1,564,459 people (33% of the region’s total population), followed by Bukidnon, 1,415,226 (30%); Lanao del Norte, 1,019,013 (22%); and Misamis Occidental, 602,126 (13%). Camiguin has the smallest population among the provinces in the region, and the second smallest in the country, with 88,478 people as of POPCEN 2015.

Misamis Oriental is also the most densely populated province in the region, with 441 people per sq km, followed by Camiguin at 366 people per sq km; Misamis Occidental,300 people per sq km; and Lanao del Norte, 245 people per sq km. With 30% of the region’s total population living in more than half its land area, Bukidnon is the least densely populated province in the region, with 135 people per sq km.

Misamis Oriental has the highest average annual population growth rate — 2.01% — among the provinces in the region as well, followed by Lanao del Norte with 1.83%, Bukidnon 1.73%; Misamis Occidental 1.19%; and Camiguin 1.09%.

DAVAO REGION
Fast Facts: (Rank among 18 regions)
Land Area: 20,433 sq km (No. 9)
Population: 4.89 million (No. 7)
Population density: 239 persons per sq km (No. 9)

The Federated Region of Davao will comprise the provinces of current Region XI: Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao Oriental, and Davao Occidental.

It will be the ninth largest federated region in terms of land area, with 20,433 sq km (5.88% of the country’s total population), and seventh largest in terms of population, with 4,893,318 people (4.85% of the country’s total population). Davao will rank ninth in terms of population density, at 240 people per sq km.

Davao Oriental is the largest province in the proposed federated region of Davao in terms of land area, with 5,679.64 sq km (28% of the region’s total land area), followed by Davao del Sur with 4,608 sq km (23%); Compostela Valley, 4,560 sq km (22%); Davao del Norte, 3,423 sq km (17%); and Davao Occidental, 2,163 sq km (11%).

Davao del Sur has the largest population among the provinces in Davao Federated Region, with 2,265,579 people (46% of the region’s total population), followed by Davao del Norte with 1,016,332 (21%); Compostela Valley with 736,107 (15%); Davao Oriental 558,958 (11%); and Davao Occidental 316,342 (6%).

Davao del Sur is also the most densely populated province in the region, with 492 people per sq km, followed by Davao del Norte with 297 people per sq km; Compostela Valley with 161; Davao Occidental 146; and Davao Oriental 98.

Davao del Sur also has the highest average annual population growth rate among the provinces in Davao, at 2.28%, followed by Davao Oriental at 1.55%; Davao Occidental at 1.49%; Davao del Norte at 1.45%; and Compostela Valley at 1.38%.

SOCCSKSARGEN
Fast Facts: (Rank among 18 regions)
Land Area: 22,786 sq km (No. 5)
Population: 4.55 million (No. 9)
Population density: 199 persons per sq km (No. 12)

The Federated Region of SOCCSKSARGEN will comprise the current provinces of Region X: South Cotabato, North Cotabato. Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and the independent component city of Cotabato in the province of Maguindanao (currently part of ARMM).

It will be the fifth largest federated region in terms of land area, with 22,786 sq km (6.55% of the country’s total land area) and ninth largest in terms of population, at 4,545,276 (4.50% of the country’s total population). SOCCSKSARGEN ranks 12th in terms of population density, at 199 people per sq km.

North Cotabato is the largest province in SOCCSKSARGEN in terms of land area, with 9,317.3 sq km (41% of the region’s total land area), followed by Sultan Kudarat with 5,364 sq km (24 %); South Cotabato with 4,287 sq km (19%); and Sarangani, 3,642 sq km. Cotabato City, meanwhile, has a land area of 176 sq km or 1% of the region’s total land coverage.

South Cotabato has the largest population among the provinces in SOCCSKSARGEN, with 1,509,735 people (33% of the region’s total population), followed by North Cotabato with 1,379,747 (30%); Sultan Kudarat 812,095 (18%); and Sarangani 544,261 (12%). Cotabato City has a population of 299,438 or 7% of the proposed region’s total number of people.

South Cotabato has the highest population density among SOCCSKSARGEN’s provinces, with 352 people per sq km, followed by Sultan Kudarat with 151; Sarangani 149; and North Cotabato 148. Cotabato City’s population density of 1,701 people per sq km is more than eight times that of the regional average.

North Cotabato has the highest average annual population growth rate among the provinces in SOCCSKSARGEN, at 2.38%, followed by South Cotabato at 2.03%, Cotabato City at 1.96%, Sarangani at 1.76%, and Sultan Kudarat at 1.68%.

CARAGA REGION
Fast Facts: (Rank among 18 regions)
Land Area: 29,606 sq km (No. 2)
Population: 2.60 million (No. 16)
Population density: 123 persons per sq km (No. 14)

The Federated Region of Caraga will comprise the current provinces of Region XIII: Agusan del Norte, Agusan del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Surigao del Sur, and the Dinagat Islands.

It will be the seventh largest federated region in terms of land area, with 21,121 sq km or 6.07% of the country’s land area, but the second smallest in terms of population, with 2,596,709 people (2.57% of the country’s total population). Caraga will rank 14th in terms of population density, at 123 people per sq km as of POPCEN 2015.

Agusan del Sur will be the largest province in Caraga, and the fifth largest in the country, in terms of land area, with 9,989 sq km (47% of the Caraga’s total land area), followed by Surigao del Sur with 4,933 sq km (23%); Agusan del Norte with 3,428 sq km (16%); Surigao del Norte with 1,953 sq km (9%), and the Dinagat Islands with 817 sq km (4%).

Agusan del Norte, however, has the largest population among the provinces in Caraga, with 700,653 people (27% of Caraga’s total population), followed closely by Agusan del Sur with 691,566 (27%); Surigao del Sur with 592,250 (23%; and Surigao del Norte with 485,088 (19%). The Dinagat islands group has the smallest population among the provinces in Caraga, and the fifth smallest in the country, with 127,152 people.

With almost a fifth of the Caraga’s total population living in a tenth of its land area, Surigao del Norte is the most densely populated province in the region, with 248 people per sq km, followed by Agusan del Norte with 202 people per sq km; Dinagat Islands with 156; and Surigao del Sur with 120. Meanwhile, with more than a quarter of the region’s total population living in nearly half of its land area, Agusan del Sur comes in as the least densely populated province in Caraga, with 70 people per sq km.

Surigao del Norte has the highest average annual population growth rate among the provinces in Caraga, at 1.85%, followed by Agusan del Norte at 1.49%, Agusan del Sur at 1.31%, and Surigao del Sur at 1.08%. Dinagat Islands has the lowest average annual population growth rate in the region, and ties with Apayao for having the lowest in the country, at 0.05%.

AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO
Fast Facts: (Rank among 18 regions)
Land Area: 36,650 sq km (No. 1)
Population: 3.78 million (No. 13)
Population density: 103 persons per sq km (No. 16)

The Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) will comprise the provinces of Basilan (excluding the component city of Isabela), Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao (excluding the independent component city of Cotabato), Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi.

It will be the largest federated region in terms of land area, with 36,651 sq km (10.54% of the country’s total land area), but the sixth smallest in terms of population, with 3,781,387 (3.74% of the country’s total population). With a population density of just 103 people per sq km, ARMM will be the third least densely populated federated region, as of POPCEN 2015.

Lanao del Sur is the largest province in ARMM, and the second largest in the country, in terms of land area, with 15,056 sq km (41% of ARMM’s total land area). Maguindanao ranks second with 9,968 sq km (27%), followed by Sulu with 4,547 sq km (12%), Tawi-Tawi with 3,627 sq km (10%), and Basilan with 3,453 (9%).

Maguindanao, though, has the largest population in ARMM, with 1,173,933 people (31% of ARMM’s total population). It is followed by Lanao del Sur with 1,045,429 (28%), Sulu with 824,731 (22%), Tawi-Tawi with 390,715 (10%), and Basilan at 346,579 (9%) as of POPCEN 2015.

Sulu is the most densely populated province in ARMM, with 181 people per sq km, followed by Maguindanao with 118, Tawi-Tawi with 108, and Basilan with 100. Lanao del Sur is the least densely populated province in the region, with 69 people per sq km.

The provinces in ARMM have some of the highest average annual population growth rates in the country, notably Maguindanao (highest average annual population growth rate in the region and in the country) at 4.44%, followed by Basilan at 3.39% (third highest in the country), Sulu at 2.8% (fifth highest in the country), and Lanao del Sur at 2.3%. Tawi-Tawi has the lowest average annual population growth rate in the region, at 1.29%.