Tacloban City Pushes for Lone Congressional District
Tacloban City leaders are urging the creation of a lone congressional district for the city, emphasizing the importance of having a dedicated representative in Congress. This call comes amid ongoing discussions about the city’s political and budgetary autonomy.
According to local sources, the proposal for a lone district is considered by many community leaders to be more significant than establishing a party list. The exact four word keyphrase, “Tacloban City lone district,” highlights this central issue.
Mayor’s Appeal for Separate Representation
The city’s mayor expressed his long-standing request to the House Speaker, pointing out that Tacloban remains the only highly urbanized city in the Philippines without its own congressional district. He said, “If you ask me, it’s more important than a party list.”
Local experts explain that the current situation links Tacloban to the first district of Leyte, forcing the city to share its budget with seven other municipalities. The mayor stressed that with a dedicated district, Tacloban could manage its own budget and resources more effectively.
Benefits of a Lone District
Having its own congressional district would allow Tacloban to establish its own office for the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). This would streamline infrastructure projects and other government services tailored specifically to the city’s needs.
The mayor emphasized, “We won’t need to share our budget with seven other towns. We will also have our own district office of DPWH.”
Historical Context of Tacloban’s Status
Tacloban City achieved the status of a highly urbanized city (HUC) following a plebiscite held on December 18, 2008, where the majority of residents voted in favor. Despite this, the city has yet to secure a separate congressional representation, which many residents and officials regard as a critical step toward full political and fiscal independence.
Community Impact and Future Outlook
Community leaders and local stakeholders believe that securing a lone district will strengthen Tacloban’s voice in national legislation and improve the delivery of public services. Reports indicate that ongoing discussions are focused on addressing this legislative gap to better serve the city’s growing population.
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