Cotabato Draws Nearer to Its Reapportionment

In its plenary session today, the Senate approves on second reading House Bill 4111, a proposed act that seeks for congressional reapportionment of Cotabato. Senator Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr., Chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Government, delivered the sponsorship speech on the said bill, last May 23. The bill is authored by North Cotabato second district Representative Nancy Catamco and North Cotabato first district Representative Jesus Sacdalan.

"Cotabato is an economically stable province. Because of its being landlocked, agriculture is the predominant sector of the province's economy, thus it is considered Mindanao's food basket for being a top producer of agri-products. Besides its emerging economy, Cotabato's population is also increasing. Based on the 2010 census of National Statistics Office, it has a total population of 1,226,508. This growing population necessitates an additional seat in the House of Representatives," said Senator Marcos.

The bill is expected to be scheduled for third reading after the Congress resumes its session on July 23.