MANILA, Philippines – The city of Biñan in Laguna will soon have a representative in the Lower House after President Benigno Aquino III approved the creation of its own congressional district.

The President signed on March 27 Republic Act 10658, separating Biñan from the first legislative district of Laguna. The cities of San Pedro and Santa Rosa will remain in the first district.

Incumbent congressman Danilo Ramon Fernandez will continue to represent Biñan and the rest of the first district until the election of the city’s first representative in 2016.

According to the 2010 census, Biñan has a population of 283,396, exceeding the 250,000 minimum requirement for a city to be entitled to one seat in the House of Representatives.

The city has also generated an average annual gross income of P1.3 billion in the last 3 years.

Fernandez introduced House Bill 3917 creating the Biñan district. The proposal was supported by Laguna Governor Ramil Hernandez and Mayor Marlyn Alonte Naguiat.

Fernandez is now on his 3rd and last term as 1st district representative. Mayor Alonte Naguiat is also serving her final term. Both are from the ruling Liberal Party (LP).

The bill was passed by the House and transmitted to the Senate in February 2014.

In January 2015, the Senate approved the bill with amendments, which the House concurred with.

Copies of RA 10658 were published in major newspapers on Wednesday, April 1. The act will take effect 15 days after that. – Rappler.com