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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Duterte signs law dividing Maguindanao into two provinces

Duterte signs law dividing Maguindanao into two provinces

Published May 28, 2021 01:52 pm

Despite roadblocks, the division of Maguindanao into two finally came to fruition after President Duterte signed Republic Act (RA) No. 11550.

The law divides the province of Maguindanao into two Provinces, namely: Northern Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur, according to 2nd District Representative Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu, one of the key legislators who advocated the split of Maguindanao.

“We experienced bumps on the road while we were pushing for this legislation. Some parties are not too keen on the division and attempted to place roadblocks to its fruition. However, we are just thankful that President Duterte made it all happen,’’ he said.

‘’We are also grateful particularly to Senators Francis Tolentino, Juan Miguel ‘’Migz’’ Zubiri and other senators who helped and saw our efforts,” Mangudadatu added.

Under R.A. 11550, Maguindanao’s two provinces will be in effect in time for the 2022 national and local elections.

Datu Odin Sinsuat will be the capital town of Mindanao del Norte composed by the municipalities of Barira, Buldon, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Kabuntalan, Matanog, Northern Kabuntalan, Parang, North Upi, Sultan Kudarat, Sultan Mastura, and Talitay.

Maguindanao del Sur, on the other hand, will establish Buluan as its capital city governing the municipalities of Ampatuan, Datu Abdulla Sangki, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Datu Montawal, Datu Paglas, Datu Piang, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Unsay, Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun, Guindulungan, Mamasapano, Mangudadatu, Pagalungan, Paglat, Pandag, Rajah Buayan, Sharif Aguak, Sharif Saydona Mustafa, Sultan Barongis, Talayan, and South Upi.

Mangudadatu said that the main purpose behind the division is to effectively implement services and programs closer to the people.

He added that local government officials and employees would work more effectively and focus on programs tailored to the interests of the constituents at best.

As principal author, Mangudadatu, together with Datu Roonie Sinsuat of District 1, and several legislators initially filed House Bill No. 6413 on February 27, 2020 at the House of Representatives and worked tirelessly to advance it to Senate and eventually to Malacañang.

House Bill 6413 was approved to third reading by Congress on June 1, 2020 unopposed with 231 votes. It was transmitted to Senate June 3, 2020 and was passed on March 9, 2021 which was later transmitted to the President on April 29, 2021.

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