Zamboanga Solon Rallies People Behind Proposed New Congressional District

Statement on the Withdrawal of Signatures in the Resolution Supporting the Filing of House Bill 6259.


MARIA ISABELLE G. CLIMACO
Representative, District 1
Zamboanga City, Philippines


Querido Compoblanos de Ciudad de Zamboanga!


Our Office has received reports that ten Barangay Chairpersons of the First District have withdrawn their signatures in the Resolution of Support to the Proposed HB 6259, “An Act Providing for the Reapportionment of the First (1st) and Second (2nd) Legislative Districts and the Creation of the Third (3rd) Legislative District of the City of Zamboanga”. We have yet to fully verify the circumstances which led to the withdrawal of support, but the fact remains, that it happened after a meeting in City Hall.


As an elected Representative of the First District of Zamboanga City, I am duty-bound to fulfill the overwhelming mandate given you my dear constituents to legislate and propose bills that will lead to a better and more progressive Zamboanga City. With this in mind, I have initiated the process of creating a third legislative district for Zamboanga City by filing HB 6259 and seeing through its endorsement to the Committee on Local Government where, by way of “legislative courtesy”, it will await the support and endorsement of the Representative from the Second District of Zamboanga City.

Prior to the filing of this bill, I have conducted public consultations with my constituents as well as with the leaders of the Barangays in District 1 as well as the people of Zamboanga. In all of these consultations, I have received an overwhelming amount of support, and as their representative in Congress I need to heed their clamor by being their voice in Congress.

I have always maintained transparency in the entire process, from consultations to the actual filing of the bill and thereafter. I have constantly updated you querido Zamboanguenos about the process of filing the bill and made sure that proper information dissemination is conducted. I have always put my true intentions upfront - my desire to contribute to the progress of our dear beloved Zamboanga City.

Efforts to impute malice or cast aspersion on my true intentions and allegations that malign the integrity of the intent is an affront, an insult and an injustice to the good intentions of doing and aspiring for what is best for Zamboanga City, namely: the creation of the 3rd District will mean, ADDED representation in the National Government, ADDED representation in the Sangguniang Panlungsod, more opportunities for legislation in national and local levels, and ADDED projects would mean added progress to the City and ADDED income to the Zamboangueňos.

It is beyond me why this issue continues to be met by doubt, skepticism and harsh criticism from parties who intend to turn this issue into a clash of personalities rather than a question of which side of the coin would fully benefit the people of Zamboanga.

Notwithstanding, these recent developments, this representation continues to believe in the integrity of our Barangay leaders and I maintain my deepest respects for their leadership to govern and make decisions.

In the end, I only wish for what is best for Zamboanga City, counting on a united front for which this issue - this bill, would eventually be passed by Congress. Whatever led to the events that recently took place, I reiterate that as your Representative in Congress I supported an ISSUE, which I believe will bring about the betterment of Zamboanga City.

As your Representative, I have done my work in Congress, and I urge that we continue to work together, particularly the entire 37 Barangays of District 1 so that UNITED, we can help make a difference in every Zamboangueňo and bring about the best for all, especially the children.

Statement of Rep. Maria Isabelle G. Climaco on the proposed creation of the 3rd Congressional District in Zamboanga City.

Statement of Rep. Maria Isabelle G. Climaco on the proposed creation of the 3rd Congressional District in Zamboanga City.

Today, the 27th day of April, I had to make an important decision to manifest the aspiration of our City in the House of Representatives, for the proposed creation of the 3rd legislative District of Zamboanga City, by virtue of the 2007 Census, which puts the City’s population at 774,407, and in accordance with paragraph 3, Section 5, Article 6 of the 1987 Constitution.

Our Office initiated a series of information dissemination campaign and consultative dialogues, particularly 37 barangays of the 1st District and several from the 2nd District; information drive through print and broadcast media; distribution of materials outlining the legislative process, and the advantages of an additional legislative district.

This is backed by Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution No. 108 dated 05 February 2009. Likewise, other resolutions were passed by the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Zamboanga City related to the matter.

Recognizing the primordial role of District 2 Rep. Fabian in the passage of this proposal, our Office submitted a copy of the draft bill to his office on 09 February 2009.

Due to the recent developments in Congress, this representation as Vice-Chairperson of the Committee on Local Government, deems it urgent to lay the aspirations of our City in Congress since other Representatives have made such manifestations.

It is my responsibility to also manifest this desire for an additional district inasmuch as we get to discuss issues of such in our committee. If others can author such bills passing our committee, I too as your representative am duty bound to aspire as well, hoping that this would also get the support, most importantly, of the Rep. of the 2nd District of Zamboanga City.

Recently last March 4, 2009, I manifested my Co-authorship of HB 6005, creating additional legislative districts in proportion to the population. Because of intervening circumstances, such as the approval of HB 6005 in the Committee level and the recent inclusion of 32 additional Party-List Representatives, this filing is of extreme urgency.

I am fully aware of the Parliamentary Courtesy, as this proposal will still pass the test of the Committee level and will await action from the Representative of the Second District of Zamboanga. If and when the consultations in the Second District culminates, it is hoped that this will yield to favorable results that would still save the moment for our City and for our Representatives to come-up with a united stand. This representation has made this decision since it is what the people expect from me when that mandate was given in 2007 to be their Representative in Congress.

It is our duty and responsibility to be our people’s voice in Congress. I thank those who gave their time to express their sentiments on the issue of the 3rd District as well as the Resolutions of support.

I act with a leap of faith para Dios, Patria y Projimo, Vaya con Dios!