Solon lauds City Council endorsement of HB 4256
Representative Raul Gonzalez Jr. said the Senate should consider the resolution of the Sangguniang Panlungsod asking the body to fast-track the approval of House Bill 4256 or a bill which seeks to reapportion Iloilo City into two districts.
HB 4256 is now pending before the Senate committee on local government chaired by Senator Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino.
In the bill, there are two congressional districts, which follows that there will be two congressmen but one mayor. There would be additional members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod from eight to 16 members. The congressional districts would be divided according to the flow of the river in the city.
The first the congressional district will cover the districts of Mandurriao, Jaro, Lapaz and Lapuz. On the other hand, the districts of City Proper, Molo and Arevalo covers the second congressional district.
Gonzales noted that the endorsement of the city council would be a deciding factor. "The entire local government unit is practically behind it," he said.
The resolution of endorsement was sponsored by Liga nga mga Barangay Federation President Irene Ong. The same resolution is being supported by more than 170 barangay captains in the city.
Certain groups have objected to HB 4256. They even sent a position paper to Senator Aquino citing the reasons behind their opposition.
Among those who are opposing the approval of HB 4256 is lawyer Dan Cartagena, a former ally of the Gonzalezes. He ran for councilor several times but lost. Cartagena along with former Councilors Joshua Alim, Rolando Dabao, Atty. Romeo Gerochi, Atty. Leopoldo Causing, Barangay Captain Sumakwel Nava of Barangay Libertad, Lapuz, Jose Marte Nava, executive director of Urban Partners Inc and businessman Paquito Ngo signed a manifesto protesting the approval of HB 4256.