The leaders of the Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB) and the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) expressed their support to the plan of having more districts here in Bohol.
In separate interviews, LnB Bohol chapter president Romulo Cepedoza and LMP president Marietta Sumaylo each expressed support to the plan of 3rd district Rep. Kristine Alexie Tutor to revive the idea of having more districts here in Bohol.
Both leaders said that having additional districts may bring in more resources to Bohol and help the development of the province.
As it is, with a population of nearly 1.4 million people, the province is eligible to have at least two more districts, bringing the total to 5 districts.
It can be recalled back in 2018, outgoing 2nd district representative and now Governor-elect Erico Aristotle Aumentado, proposed to add more districts in Bohol considering the fact that the province already reached the population requirement needed to create another congressional district.
According to the 1987 Constitution, a population of 250,000 inhabitants is needed to allow the creation of another district through legislation.
Back then, Aumentado said there is a need to divide Bohol into five districts as he “feels Boholanos deserve more projects, considering the geographical size of the province and the increase in population.”
He then filed House Bill No. 7999 where he proposed the division of Bohol into 5 congressional districts.
Last week, Tutor revealed that she is keen on pushing the idea to divide Bohol into 5 districts.
However, Tutor said that any attempt to divide Bohol into 5 districts shall undergo consultations among the various stakeholders such as the members of the LnB and the LMP and eventually be presented to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) for more support before any measure is filed in Congress.
A favorable reception from the stakeholders about the proposal will help the passage of the measure in Congress.
Moreover, Tutor said, in a report, that she is confident that with Aumentado’s help and support, the measure may get a favorable response in Congress.
Currently, Tutor is the congressional representative of the 3rd district of Bohol, which is the largest district in the province with 19 towns.
Observers say that in order to get the nod of the SP, the incoming Aumentado-Balite administration should be able to secure the numbers.
As of the moment, the number of board members aligned with Aumentado and Balite is five, consisting of Lucille Lagunay, Tomas Abapo, Jami Aumentado-Villamor, Tita Baja and Greg Jala.
Meanwhile, the board members aligned with Padayon Bol-anon coalition are Benjie Arcamo, Aldner Damalerio, Vierna Mae Maglasang, Elpidio Bonita and Nathaniel Binlod.
Each side has 5 board members each and the favor will only tilt towards the Aumentado-Balite administration if the ex-officio members coming from the LnB, Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) federation and the Philippine Councilor’s League (PCL) are aligned with the incoming administration.
At present, the LnB and SK federation are led by Romulo Cepedoza of Danao town and Christian Bolos of Dauis, respectively.
The PCL president is Coun. Jescelo Adiong of Loay town.
Tutor believes that with more districts, Bohol stands to get more resources and budget coming from the national government, aside from getting more Boholano legislators.