MANILA - Dividing Bacolod into two congressional districts this year , is almost impossible, Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero said Tuesday.

The redistricting of Bacolod has not been discussed by the Senate, he said.

What we have discussed and approved were the creation of the new provinces for Davao del Sur and Camarines Sur, he said.

Escudero said he received reports that there are oppositions to the proposed redistricting. “That matter should be resolved first”, he added.

The Negrenses 4 Noy Movement, Bacolod Citizens Alliance 4 Good Governance, and Negros Coalition for Social Change, called on the citizens of Bacolod to oppose and reject House Bill No. 02999 and its Senate version, both of which call for the partition of Bacolod City into two legislative districts, claiming that it is not only untimely and superfluous, but also unjust, oppressive and repressive.

The four groups said what Bacolod and its citizens need now is not another district but the full and effective efforts of its local government officials, from its representative in Congress down to the barangays to address and resolve the urgent issues, citing the unabated mass poverty, inadequate delivery of basic social services, and continuing environmental degradation including uncollected garbage that plague many of the city’s citizens and environs.

Eventually, Escudero said it will be the people who will decide on the proposition through plebiscite.

Since the redistricting for Bacolod has not been taken up, definitely, the plebiscite cannot be held before the filing of certificates of candidacy on October 5, he added.

Because of this development, Escudero said the bill may be taken up at the Senate in the next five years, citing a standing policy in the Senate that creation of a district, city or province can only be a one- time bill.

The proposed redistricting, which was sponsored by Bacolod Rep. Anthony Golez, calls for the creation of Bacolod North and Bacolod South district.* GPB

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