DAVAO CITY, Philippines – A proposal of three additional congressional districts is now being pushed in the City Council.
The proposal was made by Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang in his privilege speech on Tuesday. He said the proposal is anchored on the increasing population of Davao City with its three current districts unable extend its services and program to all of its constituents due to overpopulation.
“If we can have additional districts, we can easily serve our people and reach out to them and give them services,” he said.
The councilor cited the provisions under Section 5, Article VI of the 1987 Philippine Constitution that states that a legislative district must have a minimum population of 250,000.
With this proposal, Dayanghirang said additional districts could be a venue for an additional economic opportunity as Davao City is now a business magnet among foreign and local investors.
In a separate interview with Vice Mayor Sebastian Duterte and floor majority leader Councilor Melchor Quitain, both leaders supported Dayanghirang’s proposal.
Vice Mayor Duterte in a short statement said he is supportive of the proposal but he said it should start with one additional district for a smooth process.
“Let’s start with one district first, then if it’s effective then we can add,” said Vice Mayor Duterte.
Quitain on his part says though he is in favor of Dayanghirang’s proposal, he also said, the council could not decide on the matter as it is the duty of Congress.
“Well this is favorable to our people but of course the Congress will do the processing and the people should also approve the proposal,” he added.
When asked which area of Davao City can be identified as the additional district, Quitain said, the first district could be separated in two districts for this is the most populated area in the City. (davaotoday.com)
