Lawmaker eyes two new districts for Caloocan

MANILA, Philippines - Caloocan City Rep. Enrico Echiverri has proposed the creation of two new legislative districts in the city.

 “The proposed creation of two additional districts would ensure a more reasonable representation of the people of Caloocan in Congress, and enhance the delivery of basic services,” he said.

Under Bill 5569, Echiverri, a former city mayor, suggested that the two congressional districts be carved out of the present first district, which he represents.

The current second district would not be affected by the reapportioning of the first district.

Echiverri said the increase in Caloocan’s population necessitates the division of his constituency into three districts.

“Caloocan is the third most populous city in the National Capital Region after Manila and Quezon City, each of which has six districts compared to Caloocan’s two,” he said.

He said the 2010 census showed that Caloocan had 1.5 million residents, with more than two thirds, or about 1.1 million, residing in the first district.

Thus, he stressed that his constituency should have at least three congressional districts.

He pointed out that the Constitution provides that a city with at least 250,000 population should have at least one representative in Congress.

“With the present set-up of having only two districts serving almost a million and a half constituents, Caloocan City is clearly under-represented. It should have at least four districts for a more equitable representation and allocation of resources and services,” Echiverri said.