Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

House Bill No.__ 10771

Introduced by Representative MOHAMAD “TONG?” P. PAGLAS, SR.
Representative, Lone District of Maguindanao del Sur

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The Constitution of the Philippines underscores the importance of equitable
representation, emphasizing the need to prioritize the representation of the
masses. Specifically, it mandates that each legislative district must have a
representative for every 250,000 population, ensuring that the voices and
concerns of the people are adequately heard and addressed in the legislative
process.

Maguindanao del Sur, with a burgeoning population of 723,758 as per the latest
census, currently operates under a lone legislative district, which significantly
surpasses the population threshold mandated by the Constitution. The existing
configuration poses significant challenges to effective governance and equitable
representation of the diverse communities within the province.

With its 24 municipalities, Maguindanao del Sur exhibits a diverse and vibrant
cultural landscape. The proposed reapportionment takes into account not only
the population density but also the geographical and cultural diversity within
the province. By creating two legislative districts, the bill aims to facilitate a
more nuanced representation of the various communities and their unique
needs, enabling more targeted and effective governance and development
planning.

The proposed reapportionment also serves to enhance democratic participation
by providing greater opportunities for qualified individuals to engage in the
legislative process, By increasing the number of legislative districts, the bill aims
to foster political inclusivity, encourage the active involvement of the populace,


and facilitate the election of representatives who can more effectively champion
the interests and welfare of their respective constituencies.

This bill seeks to address this concern by proposing the reapportionment of
Maguindanao del Sur into two legislative districts. The proposed
reapportionment is founded on the constitutional principle of providing
adequate representation for each constituency. By dividing the province into
two legislative districts, this bill aims to ensure that the concerns and aspirations
of the people are more comprehensively represented and addressed in the
legislative arena.

In view of the foregoing, the passage of this bill is earnestly so}

MOHAMAD “JONG( P. PAGLAS, SR.


Republic of the Philippines
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Quezon City, Metro Manila

NINETEENTH CONGRESS
Third Regular Session

House Bill No._10771

Introduced by Representative MOHAMAD “TONG” P. PAGLAS, SR.
Representative, Lone District of Maguindanao del Sur

AN ACT
REAPPORTIONING THE LONE DISTRICT OF MAGUINDANAO DEL
SUR INTO TWO LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS, AND APPROPRIATING
FUNDS THEREFOR

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress
assembled:

SECTION 1. Title. This Act shall be known as the "Reapportionment of the
Lone District of Maguindanao del Sur into Two Legislative Districts Act.”

SEC. 2. Declaration of Policy. It is the declared policy of the State to ensure
equitable representation and effective governance in all legislative districts, in
accordance with the constitutional mandate to prioritize the representation of
the masses. This includes the recognition of the unique needs and aspirations of
the people of Maguindanao del Sur, which can be better addressed through the
establishment of two legislative districts.

SEC. 3. Reapportionment. The current lone legislative district of Maguindanao
del Sur shall be reapportioned into two legislative districts, to be known as the
First Legislative District of Maguindanao del Sur and the Second Legislative
District of Maguindanao del Sur. The division of the legislative districts shall be
as follows:

The First Legislative District of Maguindanao del Sur shall comprise the
following municipalities:


Population Area (2013), Barangay

Name (2020) in km? count

1. Datu Anggal Midtimbang 28,224 85.43 7
2. Datu Hoffer Ampatuan 26,660 193.45, 11
3. Datu Piang 28,380 120.77 16
4. Datu Salibo 18,795, 81.61 17
5. Datu Saudi-Ampatuan 31,060 60.16 8
6. Datu Unsay 12,890 95.39 8
7. Mamasapano 27,807 220.00 10
8. Guindulungan 24,933 130.68 11
9. Shariff Aguak 33,982 166.00 13
10. Shariff Saydona Mustapha 25,080 85.31 4
11. South Upi 43,197 318.95 11
12.Talayan 34,156 143.84 15

TOTAL 335,164 1701.59 141

The Second Legislative District of Maguindanao del Sur shall comprise the
following municipalities:

Name Population Area (2013), Barangay

(2020) in km? count
1. Ampatuan 28,941 255.40 11
2. Buluan 57,406 699.50 7
3. Datu Abdullah Sangki 30,117 101.26 16
4. Datu Paglas 33,682 269.80 23
5. General Salipada K. 31,263 189.37 19
Pendatun

6. Mangudadatu 26,203 98.16 8
7. Pagagawan (Datu Montawal) 37,314 461.10 11
8. Pagalungan 46,277 898.76 2
9. Paglat 18,727 177.74 8
10. Pandag 26,356 85.31 8
11. Rajah Buayan 27,832 71.98 il
12. Sultan sa Barongis 24,476 291.30 12

TOTAL 388,594 3599.68 146

SEC. 4, Representation. Each of the newly established legislative districts shall
be entitled to one representative in the House of Representatives, in accordance


with the provisions of the Constitution mandating representation for every
250,000 population.

SEC. 5, Appropriations. The necessary funds for the implementation of this Act
shall be charged against the current appropriations of the national government.
Any additional funding required shall be included in the General
Appropriations Act of the year following the enactment of this Act and
thereafter.

SEC. 6. Implementing Rules and Regulations. The Commission on Elections
(COMELEC) and other concerned agencies shall promulgate the necessary rules
and regulations for the effective implementation of this Act.

SEC. 7. Separability Clause. If any provision of this Act is declared
unconstitutional, the other provisions not affected thereby shall remain in full
force and effect.

SEC. 8, Repealing Clause. All laws, decrees, orders, rules, and regulations or
parts thereof that are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act are hereby

repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

SEC. 9, Effectivity. This Act shall take effect fifteen (15) days after its publication
in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,