Proposal to divide Lanao del Sur revived

MANILA, Philippines – A proposal seeking to divide the province of Lanao del Sur into two has been revived at the House of Representatives, and is currently pending at the House Committee on Local Government.

House Bill No. 333 was filed by House Deputy Speaker Pangalian Balindong last July 1, and it seeks to revive a 42-year-old proposal to divide the province.

HB 333 proposes the establishment of Maranaw province, which will include the towns of Buadiposo-Buntong, Bubong. Bumbaran, Ditsaan-Ramain, Kapai, Lumba-Bayabao, Maguing, Marantao, Masiu, Mulondo, Piagapo, Poona Bayabao, Saguiaran, Tagoloan II, Tamparan, Taraka, and Wao. Marawi City will be designated as its capital.

The remaining towns of Lanao del Sur will remain under the current province, and will have the municipality of Malabang as its capital.

Balindong said the bill will revive a dormant law that has already divided the province into two.

In October 4, 1971, Republic Act 6406 was passed, carving out a new province named Maranaw out of the current one’s eastern towns. However, Martial Law interrupted the organization of the province, and the law was quickly forgotten.

“By legislating for the division of the Province of Lanao del Sur into the Provinces of Maranaw and Lanao del Sur, Congress upholds the very purpose of the [Local Government Code].. to make the local government units “enjoy genuine and meaningful local autonomy,”” Balindong said.

The proposed provinces pass the prerequisites under the Local Government Code of 1991.

The province, part of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), is a known election hot spot, with areas frequently reporting failures of elections. – Rappler.com