Duterte Signs Law Dividing Palawan into Three Provinces
April 15,2019 – Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11259 dividing Palawan into three provinces namely Palawan Oriental, Palawan del Norte and Palawan del Sur. The new law takes effect 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general and local circulation.
Incumbent and present representatives shall continue their terms until the duly elected officials assume office. Each province shall have their own legislative districts starting 2022.
Politicians allayed fears of Chinese invasion due to the weakened forces that shall be brought upon by the division. They further quashed the allegations that the division was a political move. Legislators who supported the law claims that they are doing it for the future of the people.
The bill was passed by the Congress in Aug. 29, 2018 and then amended by the Senate on Nov. 19, 2018. The House concurred with amendments on Jan. 23, 2019.
Coron and El Nido belongs to Palawan del Norte. Palawan is a famous tourist destination among foreigners due to its pristine waters and beaches. It was also a location for some foreign shows and movies such as Survivor South Africa and The Bourne Legacy.
Let’s discuss with aimtalk teachers
- Have you ever been to the Philippines? When and where did you go? What was the purpose of your visit?
- What do you think are the advantages and disadvantages of dividing areas into smaller legislative units?
- If you were to visit an island, where would you like to go? Why?
Vocabulary
incumbent(n): someone who has been elected to an official positoin
duly(adv): in the proper way
legislative(adj): concerned with making laws
quash(v): officially say that a legal judgment or decision is no longer acceptable or correct