Two Districts, One Province—Will Benguet see better services or just new political dynamics?

La Trinidad, Benguet - A House Bill seeking to divide Benguet’s lone district into two was recently filed in the 20th Congress by Representative Eric Go Yap. 

House Bill 7393, entitled "An act providing for the reapportionment of the lone legislative district of the province of Benguet into two legislative districts", aims to split the province into two legislative districts for stronger representation and speed up delivery of government services to the residents. 

Under the proposed measure, based on the copy of the document accessible on the Congress website, the first district will cover the municipalities of Sablan, Tuba, Itogon, Bokod, and Kabayan, while the second district will include La Trinidad, Tublay, Kapangan, Atok, Buguias, Mankayan, Bakun, and Kibungan. 

Since Benguet was created in 1966 by virtue of Republic Act No. 4695, otherwise known as the “Subdivision Law of Mt. Province”, the 13 municipalities of the province have been represented by only one lawmaker.

Over the years, however, population growth and the province’s mountainous terrain have posed challenges in reaching communities and addressing their needs efficiently.  

The proposed measure is a response of the Solon to these realities by allowing two representatives to work together, making it easier to attend to local concerns and bring essential services closer to the people.  

“A clamor to divide the Benguet Province into two legislative districts arises from the need for a more workable political and geographical grouping. This proposed measure is expected to improve legislative responsiveness and enable a more efficient and effective delivery of basic social services to the people of Benguet,” Yap noted. 

Public View 

This move, after being reported by a local media outlet, has since drawn mixed opinions from the residents. 

Supporters emphasized that the measure would lead to more responsive governance, with each district able to focus on its specific needs. 

On the other hand, those who are not in favor argue that expanding the number of districts does not genuinely enhance public service but is instead a tactic that serves “politicians' interests." 

“Kapag mas maraming distrito, mas maraming congressman, mas maraming mananakaw. Yan ang ginagawa nila, kaya hinahati nila sa napakaraming distrito ang isang probinsya para mas maraming pulitiko, mas maraming kickback,” an opposer voiced out.

For others, they suggested that a public consultation would be conducted first to allow residents to share their opinions and suggestions. 

As of its latest status, the Congress noted that the Committee on Rules referred the House Bill to the Committee on Local Government for further deliberations.  

Congressman Eric Yap has not yet shared a public statement about this initiative.