Caloocan City Mayor Oca Malapitan hailed on Thursday the creation of the city's third legislative district following the division of the city's 1st district into two.
In a statement, the local government said Malapitan is grateful to President Duterte for signing into law Republic Act No. 11545. He also thanked Senators Francis Tolentino and Imee Marcos, and his son, Caloocan 1st District Rep. Along Malapitan for pushing for the approval of the measure.
Malapitan said that the new measure will give Caloocan residents more "voice" in Congress and their needs will also be given priority.
Republic Act No. 11545 will take effect in the 2022 national and local elections. Under it, Barangays 1-4, 77-85, and 132-177 will be part of the 1st District while Barangays 178-188 will be part of the new 3rd District.
"Mula District 1, District 2, hanggang sa ating pinakabagong distrito, ang District 3, patuloy po ang ating aksyon at malasakit upang higit na maramdaman na dito sa Caloocan, tao ang laging una (We will continue to provide service and compassion to the people of the 1st, 2nd, and the newly-created 3rd District so they will feel that they are our priority)," Malapitan said.
Rep. Along Malapitan welcomed the approval of the bill which he introduced "in order to provide adequate representation to focus and heed the needs and pleas of the residents."
"A new district will pave way to new leaders that will help shape laws and policies for our citizens. This would also mean that we can focus on projects and programs tailored to the needs of the residents; for faster development and improved public service," the younger Malapitan said.