Mindanao lawmakers condemn Zambo airport blast

MANILA, Philippines — With two persons killed while 22 others were wounded, including Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan, two lawmakers from Mindanao condemned as dastardly act the blast Thursday night outside the arrival area of the Zamboanga City International Airport.

"We are saddened by the blast in our airport. We are victims of such a dastardly act which violated the very essence of our City we dearly love and protect," House Deputy Speaker and Zamboanga City Representative Maria Isabelle Climaco said.

Climaco said measures to address security and investigate the matter were being done.

"We reiterate our aspiration to bring about development in our city, a hub to neighboring cities and municipalities," she said.

According to reports, the bomb exploded at around 6:20 p.m. Thursday, minutes after the Philippine Airlines flight from Manila arrived at the airport. Tan and the other victims were passengers of the PAL aircraft.

Sulu Representative Tupay Loong also condemned the latest bombing incident in Zamboanga City, saying "this was another cowardly act and un-Islamic that deserves the strongest form of condemnation. Only the most cruel and merciless are capable of such acts that victimized ordinary travelers and their innocent families."

Loong called on authorities to conduct an immediate, thorough investigation on the incident "to determine the real culprits of the bombing, so that justice may be immediately served."

He, however, said that authorities should desist from using "haphazard methods" in investigating the bombing incident.

"The true perpetrators of the crime must be arrested and not any fall guys they (authorities) will just pick up from the streets. The (real) perpetrators must be put behind bars," he said.

The Philippine National Police activated a special investigation task group to assist the crisis management committee now investigating the bombing incident. (Lilybeth G. Ison)

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Our Office has received reports that ten Barangay Chairpersons of the First District have withdrawn their signatures in the Resolution of Support to the Proposed HB 6259, “An Act Providing for the Reapportionment of the First (1st) and Second (2nd)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!

Zamboanga Congresswoman Launches Campaign

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 05, 2009) – Zamboanga City Representative Maria Isabelle Climaco has launched an advocacy campaign called Barangay Emergency Enhancement Network that will involve civilian volunteers to help in the peace and order problems in the community.

The launching was held recently in the village of Santa Maria and attended by officials and members of civilian volunteer organizations from at least 37 villages.

Climaco distributed flashlights and vests for citizens and training of Red Cross volunteers along with the supply of biscuits and coffee, among others for their use. (Charlotte Yola Mira)

Thousands Get Free Bags, Books In Zamboanga City

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Jan. 30, 2009) – Zamboanga City Representative Maria Isabelle Climaco distributed thousands of school bags, ID slings and books to students here.

The distribution was held at the Capisan National High School. Some 7,000 bags were distributed to students and 5,000 pieces of ID slings to teachers and students. The distribution of the books was also made possible through the efforts of Ateneo de Zamboanga University.

She said the donation was an effort to promote youth development and education. (Charlotte Yola Mira)

Support the proposed 3rd Congressional District of Zamboanga City

1. What is a Legislative District?

A Legislative District is a constituency with a Representative in the Lower House of Congress or the House of Representatives. It has an average population of about 250,000 to 500,000 which may be composed of: (a.) an entire province, (b.) within a province, a group of municipalities and cities (sometimes even including independent and highly urbanized cities geographically located in the province), (c.) a single city, (d.) a group of geographically adjacent independent cities and independent municipalities or (e.) a group of barangays within a city.

There are also city councilor districts for the purpose of electing Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) members, which follow the congressional district arrangement.

Each province is guaranteed at least one representative to the lower house, even though it may not come close to having the same population as that of other more populated legislative districts. Only voters within each district are allowed to vote in the election for the member of the House of Representatives from that district. (Source: http://www.answers.com/)

2. What are the requirements of a Legislative District?

Under the 1987 Constitution, each Legislative District shall comprise, as far as practicable, contiguous, compact, and adjacent territory. It must also have a population of at least two hundred fifty thousand (250,000).

3. Can Congress accommodate another Member beyond the Constitutional limit of 250 Members?

The present limit of 250 members is not absolute. The Constitution clearly provides that the House of Representatives shall be composed of not more than 250 members, "unless otherwise provided by law."

The inescapable import of the latter clause is that the present composition of Congress may be increased, if Congress itself so mandates through a legislative enactment.

Therefore, the increase in congressional representation mandated by law is not unconstitutional. (Tobias vs. Abalos, G.R. No. 114783, December 8, 1994)

4. How many Congressional Representatives is Zamboanga City entitled to?

As of the latest population census taken last August 2007, the City of Zamboanga has a total population of 774,407. Thus, the people of the City of Zamboanga are already entitled to three (3) Representatives in the House of Representatives.

5. How will a 3rd Legislative District be created?

A Legislative District is created by an Enabling Law passed by both houses of Congress. A Member of Congress must file a bill seeking the reappointment of the Barangays comprising the existing 1st and 2nd Legislative Districts.

In short, the 3rd District will be carved out of the existing Legislative Districts of Zamboanga City. The assignment of Barangays comprising the three Legislative Districts must comply with the constitutional requisites, i.e. each district must be composed of barangays which are contiguous, compact, and adjacent territories and it must have a population of at least two hundred fifty thousand. 6. How does a Bill become a Law?

A bill may be introduced in the House of Representatives or the Senate.On 1st Reading, the title and number of the bill is read, and then, it is referred to the appropriate committee. The committee studies the bill and conducts hearings on it. Thereafter, a committee report is prepared on the bill.

The committee report is read in open session, and together with the bill, it is referred to the Rules Committee. The Rules Committee can place the bill in the 2nd Reading Calendar or in the Calendar of Unassigned Business.

On 2nd Reading, a bill is subject to debate and amendment before being placed in the 3rd Reading Calendar for final passage. After its passage by one house, the bill goes through the same process in the other house.

If amendments are made in one house, the other house must concur. When the bill is passed by both houses, it is signed by their respective leaders and sent to the President for approval.

The President may sign the bill into a law, or veto all or part of it. The bill becomes a law if, within 30 days after receiving it, the President fails to sign or veto the bill. The bill, even if vetoed by the President, also becomes a law when Congress overrides the veto by a 2/3 vote of all its Members.

This whole process can take much time to be completed, such as years or even an entire Regular Session of Congress (3 years) or more. (Source: http://www.congress.gov.ph/)

7. What Barangays will be part of the 3rd Legislative District?

The composition of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Legislative Districts are currently being thoroughly studied in order to ensure compliance with the constitutional requirements. Public consultations with the affected constituents will be undertaken to ensure that the different points of view are considered before making the reappointment of barangays. 8. Are there any advantages or disadvantages in having a 3rd Legislative District?

One of the advantages in having a 3rd legislative district in the City of Zamboanga is additional representation in Congress for the residents of the City, which will be proportional to the number of its residents.

The creation of an additional legislative district will be consistent with the constitutional mandate of proportional representation. The additional representation will also result in the additional allocation of Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) which makes possible the implementation, in every congressional district, of small-scale but significant projects which can not be part of large-scale projects of national agencies.

These projects are generally in the form of infrastructure, health, education and social aid packages. The additional congressional representative will also result in better administration and governance as well as a more efficient delivery of basic services to the people.

9. How will the creation of a 3rd Legislative District Impact the Sangguniang Panlungsod?

Republic Act No. 6636, as amended, provides that any city with more than one representative district shall have eight (8) councilors for each district who shall be residents thereof to be elected by the qualified voters therein.

For questions, comments and suggestions please contact or write to:

Congresswoman Isabelle "Beng" Climaco
1st District of Zamboanga City
AMWSLAI Building, Sta. Maria, Zamboanga City
Telefax: (062) 990-2759
Email: beng_climaco@yahoo.com
Website: bengclimaco.net

Congressman Erbie Fabian
2nd District of Zamboanga City
Yang's Tower, Guiwan, Zamboanga City
Tel. No. (062) 993-0600





(The Mindanao Examiner supports the proposed 3rd Legislative District for Zamboanga City)