JOURNAL NO. 107

Monday, October 13, 1986

CALL TO ORDER

At 10:58 a.m., the President of the Constitutional Commission, the Honorable Cecilia Muñoz Palma, called the session to order.

NATIONAL ANTHEM AND PRAYER

The National Anthem was sung followed by a prayer led by Mr. Cirilo A. Rigos, to wit:

Most merciful and loving God, whose thoughts are
higher than our thoughts, we vow before Thy Majesty for Thy patience in
guiding us all along the way, for pains that served to purge our souls,
for victories that gave us a foretaste of the joy which the world can
never give, we give You thanks, O God. We offer unto Thee the product of
our collective work; may it be a channel of Thy Grace and an instrument
of Thy peace, and may it contribute to the healing of the nation and
the building of a world where love and justice reign.

Above all, help us to offer ourselves, that we may
overcome every tendency to be proud or self-righteous. Teach us to be
humble and willing to learn from the lowly and to serve even the
unloving. And as we continue to face the duties of our common life, may
the fullness of Thy presence abide with us, until our eyelids close in
death.

In Jesus name we pray.

Amen.

ROLL CALL

On motion of Mr. Rama, there being no objection, the Body dispensed with the Roll Call.

DEFERMENT OF THE READING AND APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL

Likewise, on motion of Mr. Rama, there being no
objection, the Body deferred the reading and approval of the Journal of
the previous session.

REFERENCE OF BUSINESS

On motion of Mr. Rama, there being no objection, the Body proceeded to the Reference of Business.

REFERRAL TO COMMITTEE OF RESOLUTION

Upon direction of the Chair, the Secretary-General
of the Commission read the title of the following Resolution which was,
in turn, referred by the Chair to the Steering Committee:

Resolution No. 551, entitled:

RESOLUTION PROVIDING FOR AN ORDINANCE TO BE APPENDED
TO THE NEW CONSTITUTION APPORTIONING THE MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE OF
REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES TO THE DIFFERENT
LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS IN PROVINCES AND CITIES AND THE METROPOLITAN
MANILA AREA

Introduced by Hon. Davide, Jr., Azcuna, Sumulong,
Calderon, Alonto, Jamir, Lerum, Guingona, Abubakar, Rodrigo, Aquino,
Concepcion, De los Reyes, Jr., Garcia and Treñas.

(At this juncture, the President relinquished the Chair to the Honorable Ricardo J. Romulo.)

UNFINISHED BUSINESS: ORDINANCE ON THE APPORTIONMENT OF LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS

On motion of Mr. Rama, there being no objection, the
Body proceeded to the consideration of the Report of the Committee on
the Legislative on Proposed Resolution No. 551, entitled:

Resolution providing for an Ordinance to be appended
to the new Constitution apportioning the members of the House of
Representatives of the Congress of the Philippines to the different
Legislative Districts in provinces and cities and the Metropolitan
Manila area.

SUSPENSION OF THE RULES

On motion of Mr. Rama, there being no objection, the
Body suspended the Rules so that it could later proceed with the Second
and Third Reading on Resolution No. 551.

The Chair recognized Mr. Davide and the Members of the Committee on the Legislative.

SPONSORSHIP REMARKS OF MR. DAVIDE

Mr. Davide stated that the Constitution of the
Republic of the Philippines which the Body approved during the previous
session mandates that the House of Representatives shall be composed of
not more than 250 members, unless otherwise provided by law, who shall
be elected from legislative districts apportioned among the provinces,
cities and Metropolitan Manila area in accordance with their respective
inhabitants and on the basis of a uniform and progressive ratio, and
those who, as provided by law, shall be elected through a party-list
system of registered national, regional and sectoral parties or
organizations.

He explained that the party-list representatives
shall constitute 20 per centum of the total number of representatives
including those under the party-list and that for three consecutive
terms after the ratification of the Constitution one-half of the seats
allocated to the party-list representatives shall be filled, as provided
by law, by election or selection from the labor, peasant, urban poor,
indigenous cultural communities, women, youth and such other sectors as
may be provided by law except the religious sector.

He added that each legislative district shall
comprise as far as practicable contiguous, compact and adjacent
territories with each city having a population of at least 250,000 or
each province entitled to at least one representative. Hence, he pointed
out that on the basis of a 250 seat — House of Representatives, 200
seats would be allotted for the regular legislative districts while 50
would be allocated for the party-list representatives of which 25 would
be for three consecutive terms.

Mr. Davide pointed out that upon motion of Ms.
Aquino, it was decided that the Body itself apportion the legislative
districts to be incorporated in an ordinance to be appended to the new
Constitution. He stated that the proposed Ordinance fixes at 200 the
number of legislative seats which were, in turn, apportioned among the
provinces and cities with a population of at least 250,000 and the
Metropolitan Manila area in accordance with the number of their
respective inhabitants on the basis of a uniform and progressive ratio.
He added that the population was based on the 1983 projection with the
1980 official enumeration as the point of reckoning. He explained that
this projection indicates that the country’s population is at least 56
million more or less, taking into account the mandate that 250,000
persons should have at least one representative.

He added that the Committee first allotted one seat
for each of the 73 provinces and one each for all the cities with a
population of at least 250,000, namely the cities of Manila, Quezon,
Pasay, Caloocan, Cebu, Iloilo, Bacolod, Cagayan de Oro, Davao and
Zamboanga and thereafter, the Committee proceeded to increase whenever
appropriate the number of seats for the provinces and cities in
accordance with their number of inhabitants on the basis of a uniform
and progressive ratio. He explained that with these as the guidelines,
the cities which do not qualify would become component parts of the
legislative districts. of the provinces where they are geographically
located. He added that three cities which were allotted separate seats
in the 1984 parliamentary elections, namely, Baguio, Olongapo and Iligan
are no longer entitled to separate seats in the House of
Representatives due to their failure to comply with the population
requirements.

He explained that compared with the allocation of
seats provided for in the Ordinance appended to the 1973 Constitution
which was used as the basis for the 1984 regular Batasang Pambansa
elections, the present allocation increased the number of seats from 183
to 200 under which the following regions have increases: Region II,
from 11 to 12; Region III, from 17 to 19; Region IV, from 24 to 25;
Region V, from 13 to 14; Region VI, from 16 to 17; Region VIII, from 10
to 11; Region XII, from 9 to 11; Region X, from 10 to 14; Region XI,
from 12 to 15; and the National Capital Region, from 21 to 22. He
pointed out that no region suffered a reduction of the seats allotted to
them under the 1984 Ordinance. He added that in the distribution of
seats and the apportionment thereof, the Committee objectively
considered all protests and complaints formally received by it.

In this connection, he pointed out that the Province
of Cavite presented a very peculiar problem because the Commission on
Elections (COMELEC) submitted an apportionment scheme for the province
which Mr. Jamir amended through a counter-proposal and which, in turn,
was favorably considered by the COMELEC. However, he stated that the
proposal of Mr. Jamir was vigorously objected to by former Senator
Justiniano Montano who maintained that the original COMELEC proposal is
more in accord with the standards of apportionment. He added that former
Delegate to the 1971 Constitutional Convention, Mr. Abraham Sarmiento,
likewise objected to the proposal of Mr. Jamir in view of which the
proposed Ordinance insofar as Cavite is concerned indicates the original
COMELEC recommendation which Mr. Jamir could amend at the proper time.

Aside from this, Mr. Davide added that former MP
Renato Cayetano also objected to the combination of Las Piñas and
Muntinlupa and proposed to maintain the 1984 arrangement with Pateros,
Taguig and Muntinlupa constituted as one district. He explained that in
1984, Parañaque and Las Piñas were combined into one district whereas
under the Committee’s proposal Parañaque would have a separate seat but
Las Piñas could not qualify for such separate seat. He informed that if
the combination of Pateros, Taguig and Muntinlupa is maintained, they
would be underrepresented because their combined population is 448,205
hence following the standards, Las Piñas and Muntinlupa would be
combined as one group while Taguig and Pateros would constitute the
other group.

Thereafter, Mr. Davide acknowledged the invaluable
assistance and cooperation given by the COMELEC staff and the Committee
Secretary.

INTERPELLATION OF MR. GUINGONA

In reply to Mr. Guingona’s query whether the
Committee has set any time limit within which the COMELEC could make
minor adjustments in the apportionment as provided for in Section 2, Mr.
Davide stated that the Body should not set any time limit unless a
proposal to that effect is made during the period of amendments.

INTERPELLATION OF MR. DE CASTRO

On Mr. de Castro’s query whether the transfer of one
municipality from one district to another district could still be
considered a minor adjustment, Mr. Davide replied in the negative,
stating that minor adjustment does not include changes in the
allocations per district. He explained that the term only covers
instances such as the inclusion of the name of a territory, still within
the assigned district, which inadvertently omitted, or rectifying the
errors of names of municipalities which may have already been changed by
the Interim or the Regular Batasang Pambansa.

INTERPELLATION OF MR. NOLLEDO

Mr. Nolledo inquired on the reason for including
Puerto Princesa in the northern towns when it has more affinity with the
southern towns of Aborlan, Batarasa, Brooke’s Point, Narra, Quezon and
Marcos. He stated that the First District has a greater area than the
Second District. He then queried whether population was the only factor
considered by the Committee in redistricting.

Replying thereto, Mr. Davide explained that the
Committee took into account the standards set in Section 5 of the
Article on the Legislative Department, namely, 1) the legislative seats
should be apportioned among the provinces and cities and the
Metropolitan Manila area in accordance with their inhabitants on the
basis of a uniform and progressive ratio; and 2) the legislative
district must be compact, adjacent and contiguous.

Mr. Nolledo pointed out that the last factor was not
met when Puerto Princesa was included with the northern towns. He then
inquired what is the distance between Puerto Princesa from San Vicente.

SUGGESTION OF MR. DE CASTRO

At this juncture, Mr. de Castro suggested that the
Body begin its discussions according to the enumeration stated in the
report which starts with the Metropolitan Manila area.

Mr. Nolledo maintained that those who made
reservations should be given the first chance to interpellate. He
stated, however, that the Body could follow Mr. de Castro’s suggestion
after he is through.

Mr. Rama stated that the Body could follow Mr. de
Castro’s suggestion during the period of amendments. He noted that the
Body was still in the period of interpellations.

The Chair asked Mr. Nolledo to proceed

CONTINUATION OF MR. NOLLEDO’S INTERPELLATION

Thereupon, Mr. Nolledo stated that Puerto Princesa
has a population of 75,480 and based on the apportionment, its inclusion
with the northern towns would result in a combined population of
265,000 as against only 186,000 for the south. He added that Cuyo and
Coron are very important towns in the northern part of Palawan and, in
fact, Cuyo was the capital of Palawan before its transfer to Puerto
Princesa. He also pointed out that there are more potential candidates
in the north and therefore if Puerto Princesa City and the towns of Cuyo
and Coron are lumped together, there would be less candidates in the
south, most of whose inhabitants are not interested in politics. He then
suggested that Puerto Princesa be included in the south or the Second
District.

Mr. Davide stated that the proposal would be
considered during the period of amendments. He requested that the
COMELEC staff study said proposal.

INTERPELLATION OF MR. UKA

Mr. Uka stated that he received a letter from a
leader of the Municipalities of Talayan, Upi and South Upi of the
Province of Maguindanao requesting that the said municipalities be
included in the First District to prevent the unfair, unjust,
unreasonable and undemocratic consequence of gerrymandering-on the
following grounds:

First, the municipalities of Talayan, Upi and South
Upi were formerly parts of the Municipality of Dinaig, thus, their
inclusion in the First District will maintain the accessibility to
transportation and communication. He also stated that it will preserve
political stability and common interest among the people in the area
since, historically and traditionally, said municipalities have the same
political, economic, cultural, social, tribal, ancestral and peace and
order interests from the pre-Spanish era to the present. He stressed
that to dismember this compact and united territory would not only be
impractical but also very unfair.

Secondly, he stated that the Province of Maguindanao
has since time immemorial been divided into the Upper Valley known as
Laya and the Lower Valley known as Ilut, which up to the present are
under the accepted regional political, traditional and sectoral leaders.
He stressed that it would be unfair and unwise to assimilate them into
the Upper Valley or the Second District and thereby create instability,
chaos and disunity. He stated that consultations with the constituents
of the First District have not been done and, therefore, the proposal
should be amended to conform to the true wishes and desires of the
people of Talayan, Upi and South Upi. He expressed doubts on whether the
Second District alone could muster even five percent of the affirmative
votes.

Mr. Davide stated, however, that with the proposal,
the First District would have a total population of 297,049 while the
Second District consisting of the municipalities of Talayan, Upi and
South Upi would have a total of 295,620, or a difference in population
of about 2,000. He explained that should the municipalities of Upi,
Talayan and South Upi be transferred to the First District, the First
District would have a total population of 373,779 while the Second
District would only have 218,890, thus there would be an imbalance in
population.

Mr. Uka inquired whether it would be possible to
remedy the situation, in reply to which, Mr. Davide stated that
amendments to the proposal would be welcome, taking into consideration,
however, the problem of imbalance in population.

INTERPELLATION OF MR. OPLE

In reply to Mr. Ople’s query on the extra seat
accorded to Metro Manila, Mr. Davide stated that it was allotted to
Valenzuela as a separate unit. He stated that during the 1984
parliamentary elections, Parañaque and Las Piñas were combined while
Taguig, Pateros and Muntinlupa were grouped into another district. Under
the proposal, he stated that Taguig and Pateros would be one district,
Muntinlupa and Las Piñas would be another, and Parañaque with a
population of more than 275,000 would be another district.

Mr. Ople pointed out, however, that Valenzuela,
Malabon and Navotas used to be only one district and the segregation of
Parañaque into a district from Las Piñas, Muntinlupa, Taguig and Pateros
would show that two districts were added to Metro Manila.

Mr. Davide maintained that only one was added since
Metro Manila used to have 21 seats which would be increased to 22 under
the proposal. He stated that Malabon and Navotas would be combined while
Valenzuela would have its own seat. He added that Parañaque would
likewise have its own seat.

Mr. Ople inquired how the apparent confusion could
be reconciled since it would be necessary to deduct a seat elsewhere in
order to create two new districts.

Mr. Davide requested that he be allowed to reply later since the matter would require a little more study.

On the two additional seats for Central Luzon, Mr.
Davide stated that for Region III two seats would be added for Bataan
and Zambales.

On whether the people of Olongapo and Angeles cities
would be voting for provincial officials considering that they failed
to comply with the required standard to become districts by themselves,
Mr. Davide stated that it would depend on the provisions of the Article
on Local Governments and Autonomous Regions under which highly-urbanized
cities as deter mined by the Local Government Code would not be allowed
to participate in the election of the provincial officials, in the same
manner as those cities whose charters disenfranchise the voters for
purposes of electing the provincial officials. He stressed that the
Charters of Olongapo and Angeles cities would have to be looked into.

Mr. Ople stated that Olongapo is a highly-urbanized city but expressed doubt as to whether Angeles City has the same status.

Mr. Davide clarified that for Angeles City, it could
be on the basis of its population which is more than 200,000. He stated
that on the basis of 200 to 250,000 population, Angeles City could be
classified as a separate district and, if its income would exceed P30
million it would qualify as a highly-urbanized city in accordance with
the Local Government Code.

PERIOD OF AMENDMENTS

On motion of Mr. Rama, there being no objection, the Body proceeded to the Period of Amendments.

INQUIRIES OF MR. SUAREZ

Mr. Suarez stated that during the Marcos
Administration, there were attempts to declare Angeles City as a
highly-urbanized city and that in the Omnibus Election Code, a rider was
included laying down certain qualifications for elevating chartered
cities into highly-urbanized cities, excepting them from voting on the
provincial level. He pointed out that the proposal would have the effect
of nullifying all of the standards, criteria and qualifications set
therein.

Mr. Davide clarified that it would not because the
determination of whether a city is highly urbanized or not would be
governed strictly by the Local Government Code which qualifies a highly
urbanize city as having a population of not less than 250,000 and an
income of not less than P30 million.

He stated that Angeles City could apply for
classification as a highly urbanized city under the Local Government
Code if it meets all the requirements stated that in the case of Bacolod
and Iloilo cities, although they were qualified, they did not apply for
classification as highly urbanized cities.

He affirmed that a highly urbanized city which has
less than 250,000 population would not be entitled to a separate
district representation.

He affirmed that if Angeles City had already been
classified as a highly urbanized city, its residents cannot vote for the
provincial officials even if they are otherwise entitled to it.

Mr. Suarez argued that it would be disenfranchising
the people of Angeles City of their right to vote on the provincial
level, in reply to which, Mr. Davide stated that the Article on Local
Governments had already been approved.

Mr. Suarez commented that it would be discriminating against the electors and voters of Angeles City.

Mr. Davide stated that urbanization is not the issue
in the discussion. He pointed out, however, that the people of Angeles
City would not be disenfranchised because they would be joined together
with another municipality for purposes of electing their representative
to Congress.

On whether the situation could be remedied,
considering that the residents of Magalang and Mabalacat would be
entitled to vote for the provincial officials when, together with
Angeles City, the three areas belong to the same district, Mr. Davide
affirmed that the consequence would be to deny the residents of Angeles
City from voting for provincial officials, if it were converted into a
highly urbanized city. He reiterated, however, that the matter pertains
to the Article on Local Governments which would require a reopening to
remedy the situation.

Mr. Rama stated that should Mr. Suarez move for the
reopening of the Article, he would join him because it was his original
idea to allow highly urbanized cities to vote for provincial officials.

Mr. Ople suggested that Angeles City desist from
applying for a highly-urbanized status like what Iloilo and Bacolod
cities did. He stated that the Local Government Code merely implements
the provision of the 1973 Constitution.

In the case of Olongapo City, he stated that being a
highly-urbanized city, its residents are disqualified from voting for
provincial officials.

Mr. Treñas volunteered the information that Iloilo
City applied for a highly-urbanized status but the party in power then
found it unfavorable to its cause, adding that a case which was filed
before the Supreme Court was dismissed.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS

On motion of Mr. Davide, there being no objection, the Body approved the following Committee amendments to wit:

1) on the enumeration of municipalities following district, insert MUNICIPALITIES OF after the colon (:);

2) on districts which include a city where the city
is first mentioned, add AND MUNICIPALITY if there is only one
municipality, or AND THE MUNICIPALITIES OF if an enumeration of several
municipalities follows;

3) on Region III, correct the spelling of ” Palyan City” to PALAYAN;

4) on Region III, Bulacan, — for the Third District, after “Remedios”, add TRINIDAD;

5) on Region VI, Second District of Iloilo, substitute “David ” to PAVIA;

6) for Negros Occidental, transpose the Municipality
of ” S. Benedicto” in the Third District to the First District
following “Escalante”;

7) on Region VII, transpose “Sierra Bullones” and “Pilar” from the Second District to the Third District following “Anda”;

8) on the same Region, on Cebu, insert SAMBOAN after ” Santander” in the Second district, line 4;

9) on the Fifth District of Cebu, substitute “Sugod” to SOGOD;

10) on the First District of Cebu City, substitute “Cogon-Ranos” to COGON-RAMOS on line 4;

11) on Negros Oriental, correct ”Zamboangita” to ZAMBOANGUITA and “Siabon” to SIATON;

Mrs. Rosario Braid noted that “Dunaguete” should be spelled DUMAGUETE, which correction was approved by the Body.

On Region VIII, Mr. Davide corrected “Babatugon” to BABATNGON, which correction was approved by the Body.

Mr. Davide further corrected that, with respect to
the Third District, after “Calubian” it should be CULABA not “Culabe”;
KAWAYAN instead of “Kaywan”. There being no objection, the corrections
were approved by the Body.

The following corrections were likewise approved by the Body:

1) In Northern Samar, on line 3, it should read SAN ANTONIO not “San Antino”;

2) For Region IX, Zamboanga del Norte, on line 4, it should read POLANCO instead of “Polancio “;

3) Delete the “ñ” in “Sindañgan” so it would read SINDANGAN;

4) DAPITAN CIT

4) DAPITAN CITY not “Papitan City”, also in Zamboanga del Norte;

5) Substitute the semicolon (;) after ” Dipolog City” with a COMMA (,);

6) In Zamboanga del Sur, second line, it should read DUMINGAG instead of “Dumineg”;

7) In Region X, it should be VINCENZO not “Vicenzo”;

8) In Zamboanga del Sur, on the fourth line from the last, it should also read VINCENZO not “Vicenzo”;

9) On the fifth line from the last, it should be SAN MIGUEL not “Sam Miguel”;

10) In Region X, it should be LAS NIEVES not “las Nieves”;

11) In Bukidnon, on the second line, from the last, it should be KITAOTAO not “Kataotao”;

13) For Misamis Oriental, on the third line, it should be BINUANGAN not “Binaungan”

Mr. Padilla suggested that the Committee be
authorized to make the necessary corrections on the typographical errors
in the names of municipalities.

Thereafter, the following corrections were approved by the Body:

1) After the entry “Misamis Oriental”, insert the names of all localities following it in indented capital letters;

2) On the entry for Surigao del Norte, after “City”, it should be “(2)” instead of “(3)” and a dash (-) thereafter;

3) With respect to Region V, it should read CATANDUANES not “Catandaduanes”.

PERIOD OF AMENDMENTS

There being no further corrections, upon motion of
Mr. Rama and there being no objection, the Body proceeded to the period
of amendments. Mr. Rama informed that the presentation would be district
by district, followed by the Committee Report.

There were several proposals made with respect to the order of presentation, to wit:

1) Mr. Alonto proposed to proceed from bottom to top, beginning with Region XII;

2) Mr. de Castro suggested starting with Region I;

3) Mr. Monsod proposed that 13 pieces of paper, each
representing a region, be placed in a box from which the names of the
region will be drawn one by one.

Upon inquiry of the Chair, Mr. Davide informed that
there are three proposals to begin with Region IV, none for Regions I,
II, III, and the rest have one each with the exception of Region XII.
Thereupon, the Chair suggested that the Body start with the regions with
no changes and then proceed to the controversial regions.

REGION I

Mr. Davide then moved for approval of the
apportionment of Region I which has no amendments as indicated in the
Annex to the ordinance resolution.

Region I comprises the following provinces:

Abra La Union

Benguet Mountain Province

Ilocos Norte Pangasinan

Ilocos Sur

There being no objection, the apportionment of Region I was approved by the Body.

REGION II

There being no objection, the apportionment of Region II was approved by the Body.

Region II comprises the following provinces:

Batanes Ifugao

Cagayan Isabela

Kalinga-Apayao Quirino

Nueva-Vizcaya

REGION III

In view of the proposal for the districting of Nueva Ecija, Mr. Suarez moved for deferment of consideration of Region III.

NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION

Mr. Davide also moved for the deferment of consideration of NCR on which amendments were proposed.

Mr. Ople informed that the problem of the missing
seat, with respect to the Metropolitan Area, had been solved. He noted
that according to Mr. Monsod, the cluster of Valenzuela, Malabon and
Navotas had two seats in 1984 and that there is no need to look for a
missing seat after Valenzuela and Parañaque were created as separate
districts. Mr. Davide affirmed that the problem had been solved.

At this juncture, the Chair stated that the Body, as agreed upon, would proceed first with the regions without amendments.

Thereupon, Mr. Davide stated that the NCR was up for
consideration and that the Committee would propose the following
substitute amendment to the apportionment and districting of Quezon
City:

First District, Barangays of: Del Monte, Paltok,
Bungad, San Antonio, Katipunan, Veterans Village, Talayan, Damayan,
Mariblo, Paraiso, Sta. Cruz, Nayong Kanluran, Philam, West Triangle,
N.S. Amoranto, Paang Bundok, San Isidro Labrador, Sta. Teresita,
Salvacion, Maharlika, St. Peter, Lourdes, Sto. Domingo, Sienna, San
Jose, Manresa, Pag-ibig sa Nayon, Balingasa, Masambong, Damar, Bahay
Toro, Sto. Cristo, Ramon Magsaysay, Project 6, Vasra, Alicia and Bagong
Pag-Asa.

Second District, Barangays of: Fairview, New Era,
Holy Spirit, Batasan Hills, Commonwealth, Payatas, Bagong Silangan,
Sauyo, Talipapa, Bagbag, San Bartolome, Sta. Lucia, Gulod, Novaliches
Proper, San Agustin, Nagkaisang Nayon, Sta. Monica, Kaligayahan, Pasong
Putik, Apolonio Samson, Unang Sigaw, Tandang Sora, Pasong Tamo, Culiat,
Baesa, Capri, Balumbato and Sangandaan.

Third District, Barangays of: E. Rodriguez,
Silangan, Quirino 3-A, Duyan-Duyan, Quirino 3-B, Amihan, Socorro, San
Roque, Manga, Zobel Dioquino, Tagumpay, Aguinaldo, White Plains, St.
Ignatius, Blue Ridge A, Blue Ridge B, Bayanihan, Escopa 1, Escopa 2,
Escopa 3, Escopa 4, West Kamias, East Kamias, Quirino 2 A, Quirino 2 B,
Quirino 2 C, Ugong Norte, Bagumbayan, Libis, Villa Maria Clara,
Masagana, Milagrosa, Marilag, Bagumbuhay, Loyola Heights, Pansol and
Matandang Balara.

Fourth District, Barangays of: Bagong Lipunan,
Kaunlaran, San Martin, Immaculate Conception, South Triangle, Sacred
Heart, Laging Handa, Paligsahan, Obrero, Roxas, Kamuning, Tatalon, Don
Manuel, Doña Josefa, San Isidro, Doña Aurora, Santo Niño, Santol, Doña
Imelda, Kristong Hari, Kalusugan, Damayang Lagi, Mariana, Valencia,
Horseshoe, Pinagkaisahan, San Vicente, U.P. Campus, Krus na Ligas,
Central, Old Sipitol Site, U.P. Village, Teacher’s East, Teacher’s West,
Sikatuna, Malaya, Piñahan and Botocan.

Mr. Sarmiento withdrew his reservation on the apportionment and districting of Quezon City.

Thereupon, the Body approved the apportionment and districting of NCR which comprises of the following:

Manila

Quezon City (as amended)

Caloocan City

Pasay City

Malabon and Navotas

San Juan and Mandaluyong

Marikina

Makati

Pasig

Parañaque

Las Piñas and Muntinlupa

Pateros and Taguig

Valenzuela

PROPOSED AMENDMENT OF MR. JAMIR

Mr. Jamir stated that, as a Member of the Committee,
he had signed the Committee Report with reservation in view of his
amendment by substitution on the apportionment and districting of the
province of Cavite. His amendment, he stated, is to delete the first
paragraph of the Committee Report, with respect to Cavite, and to
substitute the second paragraph with the notation “Commissioner Jamir’s
proposal”. For purposes of clarification and identification, he marked
the paragraph to be deleted as “A” and his proposal as “B”.

Upon inquiry of Mr. Jamir, Mr. Davide informed that the Committee would submit the proposed amendment to the Body.

Mr. Jamir thanked Mr. Davide for stating in his
sponsorship speech that his (Mr. Jamir’s) proposal had been approved by
the COMELEC. He informed that Executive Director de Lima of COMELEC had
told him that the proposal was “beautiful” inasmuch as each district
contains one city.

Mr. Jamir pointed out that his proposal covers
contiguous, compact and adjacent municipalities and that the residents
of each district have common sources of livelihood. The First District,
he stated, consists of sea coast towns with fishing as principal source
of livelihood; the Second District consists of towns which are
palay-producing; and the Third District consists of towns which are
vegetable and fruit-growing. He added that the general direction
followed is East to West.

The First District, he informed, consists of the
towns of Bacoor, Kawit, Noveleta, Rosario and Cavite City and that
distances between these towns are: from the municipal building of Bacoor
to the municipal building of Rosario, Cavite — 25 kilometers; Bacoor to
Cavite City — 20 kilometers. He stated that the towns are contiguous to
each other, separated by 3 or 10-meter wide rivers as Bacoor is
separated from Kawit by the 10-meter wide Bacoor River; Kawit and
Noveleta by a 3-meter wide river; Noveleta and Cavite City by a 3-meter
wide river; Noveleta and Rosario by a 3-meter wide river.

With respect to the Second District, Mr. Jamir
stated that the town of Imus is not separated by any river from the town
of Dasmariñas which is neither separated by any river from the town of
General Alvarez although there is a very narrow river between Carmona
and Dasmariñas. He also stated that the towns of General Trias, Tanza
and the City of Trece Martires are not separated by any river from its
adjacent territories.

On the allegation that the distance between Carmona
and Trece Martires is about 200 kilometers, Mr. Jamir stated that such
allegation is untrue considering that the distance between the two towns
is barely 70 kilometers. Moreover, Mr. Jamir denied the allegation that
the roads in these towns are unpaved and the places adverted to are
hinterlands. He pointed out that Manila and Makati residents who go to
Matabungkay beach in Batangas pass through the towns of Carmona,
Dasmariñas, Silang and Tagaytay.

In the Third District, Mr. Jamir stated that Silang
and Tagaytay are contiguous and are not separated by any river or any
natural boundary. He also stated that from Tagaytay, one goes down to
Amadeo or Mendez-Nuñez without passing through any river. From Tagaytay,
he stated that one may proceed west-ward to Alfonso from where he can
further proceed to Baylen or Magallanes, also without crossing any
river. He pointed out, however, that between Mendez-Nuñez and Indang is a
small bridge from where one may proceed to Naic and Maragondon without
crossing a river, and from Maragondon, he may branch to the right to
reach Puerto Azul again without crossing any river.

Mr. Jamir stated that the distance from Silang to
Naic is about 25 kilometers, and from Naic to Maragondon and Ternate,
about 8 kilometers. He pointed out that the road in Magallanes, which
used to be isolated from civilization before martial law, is now
concrete and the same could be said of the road from Naic to Maragondon
and to Puerto Azul and from Alfonso to Baylen. He underscored that the
distances in the Third District are quite long but it could not be
helped because they branch out and the towns do not go through one
straight line.

In view of all the foregoing, Mr. Jamir stated that
the charge of gerrymandering is without basis. He pointed out that in
his proposal of August 4, 1986 which was approved by the COMELEC, he did
not state the reason therefor because as much as possible he did not
want to picture in the records of the Constitutional Commission the
unhappy state in which Cavite finds itself. He stated that the towns of
Bacoor, Imus and Kawit comprised the political enclave of former
Governor Camerino whose mantle has now fallen on new and budding
politicians, while the towns of Tanza, Rosario and Naic comprised the
Montano enclave, which enclaves have given rise to political bossism, so
much so that for the last thirty years or more, the factions alternate
with each other and spill blood in the process. He underscored that this
is the cancer he wanted to remove in his proposal to divide Bacoor and
Kawit away from Imus, and to separate Rosario, Tanza and Naic, thus
destroying the enclaves which are based therein. He stated that the
oppositor wanted to group and isolate the towns of Kawit, Bacoor and
Imus into one district so that he would not have to bother with them
while controlling the two other districts of Cavite.

Mr. Jamir disclosed that he had been maligned by an
unsigned letter or statement made on the letter-head of the oppositor.
He stated, however, that he was not given a copy of said letter and only
came to know of it through Mr. Alonto who gave him a copy. He stated
that said letter maligned him as crazy, insane and as having one goal in
being appointed to the Constitutional Commission through superior
connections. He stated that he would have been proud had there been
superior connections who backed him up, unfortunately, there was none.

Mr. Jamir also stated that, apparently, a correction
of this defamation was made by the author who distributed copies of
said letter to all the Members of the Commission except him.

He recalled that when he invited the oppositor for
lunch on October 11, the latter stated two significant facts, namely:
first, that the oppositor claimed the honor of being responsible for
reducing the age qualification for governor from 30 to 25 because his
son was then only 27 years of age; and, second, the oppositor called his
grandson and introduced him as his tall candidate for governor in the
province of Cavite in the May elections. Mr. Jamir stressed that such is
the political bossism that he wanted eradicated in line with the
approved Constitutional provision against the perpetuation of family
fortunes through politics.

Finally, Mr. Jamir reiterated that he had absolutely no political interest to serve.

SUSPENSION OF SESSION

On motion of Mr. Rama, the session was suspended until two o’clock in the afternoon.

It was 12:46 p.m.

RESUMPTION OF SESSION

At 2:53 p.m., the session was resumed.

PROPOSED AMENDMENT OF MR. DE CASTRO

Upon resumption of session, Mr. de Castro proposed
that the Municipalities of Majayjay and Luisiana, which appeared in
District IV of Laguna in the Committee proposal, be transferred to
District III where they originally belong; and that Victoria, a barangay
of Pila be transferred back to District IV as part of Pila which
belongs to District IV. He suggested that the districting of the
Province of Laguna be made in accordance with the original report of the
COMELEC.

In reply, Mr. de los Reyes pointed out that although
Mr. de Castro’s proposal would be politically favorable to him (Mr. de
los Reyes), the mountainous towns of Majayjay and Luisiana should remain
in District IV, and Victoria should remain in District III because it
is very near the municipality of Calauan which is in District III. He
stated, however, that the remedy would probably be to include Pila in
District II as well. He maintained that the amended Report should be
approved because the District of Biñan, San Pedro and Sta. Rosa, from
which Mr. de Castro comes, would not in any way be affected.

Mr. de Castro explained that he was only after
objectivity in districting. He maintained that Majayjay and Luisiana
which are both in the highland should not be grouped with the towns in
the lowland, in the same manner that Victoria which is in the lowland
should not be included among those in the highland.

He reiterated that the COMELEC report should be followed in the districting of Laguna.

In view of Mr. de los Reyes’ objection, Mr. Davide
moved that Mr. de Castro’s proposal to keep Luisiana and Majayjay in
District III and the barangay of Victoria in District IV be submitted to
a vote.

In reply to Mr. Ople’s query, Mr. de Castro stated
that although he is not from the Third District nor from the Fourth
District he has personal knowledge of the places in Laguna, and his only
concern is that Mr. de los Reyes would have difficulty in campaigning
in the mountains since he used to campaign in the lowlands.

Submitted to a vote, and with 5 Members voting in favor, 7 against, and 6 abstentions, Mr. de Castro’s proposal was lost.

APPROVAL OF THE APPORTIONMENT AND DISTRICTING OF LAGUNA

There being no other amendment, on motion of Mr.
Davide, there being no objection, the apportionment and districting of
Laguna was approved by the Body.

PROPOSED AMENDMENT OF MR. NOLLEDO

On the districting of Palawan, Mr. Nolledo pointed
out that it was explained in the interpellations that District I has a
total population of 265,358 including the City of Puerto Princesa, while
the Second District has a total population of 186,733. He proposed,
however, that Puerto Princesa be included in the Second District in
order to satisfy the contiguity requirement in the Constitution
considering that said City is nearer the southern towns comprising the
Second District.

In reply to Mr. Monsod’s query, Mr. Nolledo
explained that with the proposed transfer of Puerto Princesa City to the
Second District, the First District would only have a total population
of 190,000 while the Second District would have 262,213, and there would
be no substantial changes.

Mr. Davide accepted Mr. Nolledo’s proposal to insert Puerto Princesa City before the Municipality of Aborlan.

There being no objection on the part of the Members the same was approved by the Body.

APPROVAL OF THE APPORTIONMENT AND DISTRICTING OF PALAWAN

There being no other amendment, on motion of Mr.
Davide, there being no objection, the apportionment and districting for
the province of Palawan was approved by the Body.

MOTION TO VOTE ON MR. JAMIR’S PROPOSAL

Thereafter, Mr. Jamir reiterated his previous proposal and moved that the Body vote on it.

INQUIRY OF MR. PADILLA

In reply to Mr. Padilla’s query whether the
municipalities of Tanza and Carmona, in the province of Cavite, are
contiguous and adjacent, Mr. Jamir explained that although there is a
distance between them, all the towns between comprise one district. He
further stated that it is not correct to say that to negotiate the
distance from Tanza to Carmona, one has to drive for two hours passing
through the hinterlands because of the concrete national road going
through Carmona, General Alvarez, Dasmariñas, Tanza, General Trias and
Trece Martires and because said towns form a compact district.

Mr. Jamir affirmed that his recommendation was
approved by the COMELEC although he would not know whether the COMELEC
recommendation was changed in favor of maintaining the former
redistricting.

Thereupon, Mr. Padilla queried as to the COMELEC’s stand on the matter.

SUSPENSION OF THE RULES AND CONVERSION OF THE BODY INTO A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

At this juncture, on motion of Mr. Davide, there
being no objection, the Body suspended the Rules and converted itself
into a Committee of the Whole to allow COMELEC Executive Director
Vicente de Lima to present the COMELEC position.

Thereupon, Mr. de Lima explained that the original
COMELEC proposal, submitted on July 28, 1986, for the Province of Cavite
is as follows:

First District — the Municipalities of Alfonso,
Amadeo, General Emilio Aguinaldo, Indang, Magallanes, Mendez-Nuñez, City
of Tagaytay, the Municipalities of Silang, Carmona, and General Mariano
Alvarez.

Second District — the Municipalities of Bacoor, Kawit, Dasmariñas, and Imus.

Third District — the Municipalities of General
Trias, Maragondon, Naic, Noveleta, Rosario, Tanza, Ternate, and the
Cities of Cavite and Trece Martires.

He explained that the apportionment was based on
tradition having due regard to the standard criteria of contiguity,
compactness, adjacentness and relative uniformity of population with
each district. However, he disclosed that there were some who submitted
revised proposals, notably Mr. Sumulong for the Province of Rizal; Mr.
Jamir, for the Province of Cavite; Mayor Osmeña, for the Province of
Cebu; and a delegation from Sorsogon. He added that their proposals took
into account special circumstances and considerations, for which reason
the COMELEC accepted Mr. Jamir’s revised proposal which provide for the
following apportionment:

First District — Bacoor, Kawit, Noveleta, Rosario and Cavite City with a combined population of 322,862;

Second District — Imus, Dasmariñas, Carmona, General
Mariano Alvarez, General Trias, Tanza, and Trece Martires City with a
combined population of 337,659; and

Third District — Alfonso, Amadeo, General Emilio
Aguinaldo, Indang, Magallanes, Maragondon, Mendez-Nuñez, Naic, Silang,
Ternate and Tagaytay City with a combined population of 286,470.

He added that the rationale for the COMELEC’s
acceptance of Mr. Jamir’s proposal is that it distributes one city for
each district while the original proposal had one city in the First
District, none in the Second District and two cities in the Third
District.

INTERPELLATION OF MR. BENNAGEN

In reply to Mr. Bennagen’s query whether the
distribution of cities was a consideration in the COMELEC’s acceptance
of Mr. Jamir’s revised proposal, Mr. de Lima stated that it was not the
principal consideration for the proposal submitted by Mr. Jamir being
that one district was supposed to be a fishing area; another a vegetable
and fruit area; and the third, a rice growing area.

On the reason why such consideration should be taken
into account, Mr. de Lima stated that it fosters common interests in
line with the standard of compactness.

On Mr. Bennagen’s query whether the Committee also
took into account the road conditions of the province, Mr. de Lima
replied that all towns of the Province of Cavite are interlinked with
good roads.

INTERPELLATION OF MR. BACANI

In reply to Mr. Bacani’s query as to what decisive
factor made the COMELEC accept Mr. Jamir’s proposal, Mr. de Lima stated
that the COMELEC considered the fact that one district is fishing area;
the other, a fruit and vegetable area; and the third, a rice-growing
area; in other words, the common economic interest of the inhabitants
therein.

Mr. Bacani contended that there is a great disparity
in the land areas of the three districts, to which Mr. de Lima replied
that although this is true, the COMELEC was guided more by the standard
of relative uniformity of the population. He pointed out that in other
provinces, a town or towns of a district comprising only one-tenth of
the total laid area may be more populous compared to the towns located
in the hinterlands.

On Mr. Bacani’s query whether all the towns of the
province of Cavite are interlinked by good roads, Mr. de Lima replied in
the affirmative.

Thereafter, Mr. Rama stated that the Body was ready
to vote by secret ballot in accordance with the consensus reached to
which Mr. Jamir had agreed.

INTERPELLATION OF MR. OPLE

At this juncture, Mr. Ople stated that despite the
consensus for secret balloting, he would publicly express his support
for the proposal of Mr. Jamir as accepted by the COMELEC. He then
queried whether the separation of Imus from its historic association
with Kawit and Bacoor would have an emotional and unsettling impact on
the tranquillity of the people in Imus.

Replying thereto, Mr. Jamir explained that the most
important reason for his proposed redistricting is to honor the new
Constitutional provision eliminating political dynasties. He pointed out
that the towns of Imus, Kawit and Bacoor have been the enclave of
political power of the late Governor Dominador Camerino; the towns of
Tanza, Rosario and Naic, the enclave of the Montano faction, and after
martial law, former Governor Remulla was able to establish his political
clout in the upland towns forming the Third District. He explained that
should Imus be separated from Kawit and Bacoor, the political enclave
would somehow be diluted and the same thing would happen to Tanza, Naic
and Rosario. On the query about creating an emotional impact, he gave
assurance that this would not happen because there is no sense of
brotherhood between the people living in Bacoor and Imus since the
people in the former are mostly fishermen while those living in the
latter are farmers. He stressed that their economic interests as well as
their political inclinations are different.

TERMINATION OF THE PROCEEDINGS AS A COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

Thereafter, on motion of Mr. Davide, there being no
objection, the Body terminated its proceedings as a Committee of the
Whole and resumed its plenary session.

REMARKS OF MR. BENNAGEN

At this juncture, Mr. Bennagen underscored that if
the overriding consideration for Mr. Jamir’s proposal is to break up
political dynasties, then the other districts should also be subjected
to the same treatment.

VOTING ON MR. JAMIR’S PROPOSAL

On motion of Mr. Rama, there being no objection, the Body proceeded to vote on Mr. Jamir’s proposal through secret balloting.

On Mr. Rigos’ query whether an affirmative vote is a vote for Mr. Jamir’s proposal, the latter replied in the affirmative.

At this juncture, Mr. Davide clarified that under Mr. Jamir’s proposal the Province of Cavite would be redistricted as follows:

First District — Bacoor, Kawit, Noveleta, Rosario and Cavite City.

Second District — Imus, Dasmariñas, Carmona, Gen. Mariano Alvarez, Gen. Trias, Tanza, and Trece Martires City.

Third District — Alfonso, Amadeo, Gen. Aguinaldo,
Indang, Magallanes, Maragondon, Mendez-Nuñez, Naic, Silang, Ternate and
Tagaytay City.

With 27 Members voting in favor, 9 against and 1 abstention, the same was approved by the Body.

ANNOUNCEMENT OF MR. BENGZON

Mr. Bengzon announced that the National Media
Production Center (NMPC), the printer of the new Constitution, was ready
for the review of the galley proofs thereof. He then requested those
who may wish to review the same to-do so after the day’s session.

The Chair adverted to its announcement that the Body
would review the galley proofs during the following day’s session, to
which Mr. Bengzon replied that there would be no time for it.

INQUIRY OF MR. OPLE

At this juncture, Mr. Ople queried as to what would
be the remedy if despite all vigilance and careful scrutiny the printed
new Constitution would still contain errors such as missing lines and
sections.

Mr. Bengzon suggested that the same be reprinted on the basis of the approved draft which should control.

On what shall control upon the signing thereof, Mr.
Bengzon stated that the signed text shall control on the assumption that
there are no typographical errors or any other mistakes that do not
change the substance or the form.

INQUIRIES OF MR. BENNAGEN

In reply to Mr. Bennagen’s query on the status of
the Filipino text and the manner it shall be signed, Mr. Bengzon stated
that it shall be printed by a private printer to be monitored by Messrs.
Villacorta and de los Reyes. He expressed the hope that it would be
signed alongside the English text.

In case of objections to the translation in terms of
violation of concepts, Mr. Bengzon stated that the English text shall
prevail.

On the objections to the Filipino translations, he stated that they will have to be made of record.

Mr. Monsod suggested that any translation should be
constituted as a draft, stating that what would be approved is the
English test and that the finalization of any other version should not
be delegated to anybody but should be studied carefully by the Members
themselves.

On the final act that will make the Filipino text an
official version, Mr. Bengzon stated that the promulgation of the
Filipino text would be after the ratification of the Constitution.

On whether the Body would have to reconvene for the
signing thereof, Mr. Ople stated that it might not be possible
considering personal exigencies. He suggested that the Filipino text be
circulated among the Members by the holdover Secretariat for direct
verification and should there be any urgent proposals for corrections,
the same could be conveyed to the Secretariat. He suggested the
formation of an ad hoc committee to consolidate all proposals so that on
the date to be fixed by the President immediately after the
ratification of the Constitution, the finalized text could be
promulgated.

Additionally, Mr. Monsod stated that the operative
act would be the Member’s signatures on the Filipino version, as a means
of verifying the same.

The Chair invited attention to the fact that after
the Constitution shall have been signed on October 15, 1986, the Members
would become functus officio, in reply to which, Mr. Monsod clarified
that his suggestion was to consider the translated Constitution as a
draft to be signed personally in a referendum.

Mr. Bengzon stated that the suggestions would no
longer be necessary because the President would have to verify whether
the translated text is a faithful translation of the English text before
it is promulgated.

SUGGESTION OF MR. BACANI

Mr. Bacani stated that in the Catholic Church, the
Code of Canon Law was originally written in Latin with authorized
translations. He stated, however, that in case of conflict, the Latin
text prevails. He suggested that the same rule be followed.

Mr. Bengzon stated that the same rule has already been approved, to which the Chair and Mr. Monsod disagreed.

Mr. Monsod clarified that no such approval has been
made and it is necessary to formalize it since the Constitution itself
is silent on this point.

The Chair noted that Mr. Rodrigo filed a motion to that effect but that the Body decided to remain silent about it.

Mr. Ople volunteered the information that the
Committee of Mr. Villacorta decided not to take a position on the
controlling text as it adhered to the presumption that the English and
Filipino texts would be of equal rank for purposes of the official text.
He stated, however, that there is nothing that would prevent the Body
from adopting the English text as the controlling text for legal
purposes.

MOTION OF MR. MONSOD

Mr. Monsod moved that the English text be considered as the controlling text for legal purposes.

Mr. Bengzon seconded the motion.

Mr. Bennagen objected.

Mr. de Castro stated that he had previously moved that the Constitution be in English and Filipino but that it was voted down.

Mr. Monsod suggested that a Resolution be adopted
before all the Members become functus officio after October 15 in order
to avoid conflict and confusion.

Mr. Bennagen stated that the resolution should not
provide that the English text should be the controlling text since it
will merely provide a way out when confronted with a conflict with the
Filipino text.

In support of Mr. Monsod, Mr. Rama stated that it is
absolutely necessary to have a controlling text to avoid interminable
discussions and litigations. He stressed that two controlling texts
would only lead to litigations, confusion and chaos.

MODIFICATION BY MR. AZCUNA

Mr. Azcuna proposed that in lieu of mentioning
“English” as the official text, it should be mentioned that it was used
merely as the predominant language during the deliberations. This, he
stated, would not put it above the national language, but with the
intention of making it as the controlling text over the other
interpretations.

In reply to Mr. Monsod’s query whether the
deliberations in Filipino would prevail over other interpretations, Mr.
Azcuna answered in the negative, stressing that the language that was
used as a whole should prevail, which is English. He stressed, however,
that “English” should not be mentioned.

Mr. Guingona expressed concurrence with Mr. Azcuna’s modification.

Adverting to the query of Mr. Bennagen on the effect
of the resolution, Mr. Bacani stated that it would reflect the sense of
the Body that the English text should be adopted.

In reply to Mr. Bennagen’s query on where the
resolution shall be situated, Mr. Azcuna stated that it would be an
inorganic resolution which will guide the interpretation and which need
not be attached to the Constitution.

Mr. Bengzon proposed to modify the resolution.

SUSPENSION OF SESSION

Thereupon, the Chair suspended the session.

It was 4:10 p.m.

RESUMPTION OF SESSION

At 4:10 p.m., the session was resumed.

RESTATEMENT OF THE MONSOD RESOLUTION AS MODIFIED BY MESSRS. AZCUNA AND BENGZON

Mr. Azcuna read the resolution as modified by him and further amended by Mr. Bengzon as follows:

IN CASE OF CONFLICT BETWEEN THE FILIPINO TEXT AND
THE ENGLISH TEXT, THE LANGUAGE THAT WAS PREDOMINANTLY USED IN THE
DELIBERATION AS A WHOLE SHALL PREVAIL.

Mr. Monsod accepted the amendment. He then inquired
whether it would be possible to make it into an ordinance so that it
would not have to go through the Records, in reply to which the Chair
stated that an ordinance would have to be appended to the Constitution.

Mr. Bennagen invited attention to the fact that
should it be appended to the Constitution, it would in effect be
smuggling the concept into the Constitution. He adverted to Mr. de
Castro’s remark that his proposal to do so was voted down.

Mr. Monsod clarified that his query was whether the
resolution would serve the purpose of expressing the intent of the Body
to guide the courts accordingly without necessarily appending the same
to the Constitution.

The Chair expressed agreement thereto, affirming
that it would express the intent of the Body and at the same time guide
the Courts accordingly.

Mr. Monsod requested for a vote on the matter, to
which Mr. Bennagen objected, stating that it would be a surplusage since
in practice, it is the predominant language that prevails.

Mr. Azcuna clarified that the vote is necessary just to confirm that such practice is followed, to which Mr. Bennagen agreed.

RESULT OF THE VOTING

Thereupon, submitted to a vote with 24 Members
voting in favor, 2 against and 3 abstentions, the Body approved the
Resolution, as amended.

INQUIRIES OF MR. BENNAGEN

In reply to Mr. Bennagen’s query on the mechanism by
which the Members would be able to affix their signatures on the
Filipino-text to make it an official version, taking into account the
section which provides that Filipino and English should be the languages
in which the Constitution shall be promulgated, Mr. Bengzon stated that
the promulgation by the President would be the operative act and that
there should be no apprehension about it because ample time for the
translation would be given and that the Office of the President would
have to go through it to make sure that the translated version is a
faithful translation of the English text.

He stated that in the event the Filipino translation
would not be ready for signing on the 15th of October, the promulgation
by the President of the Filipino text would make the Filipino text an
official text.

Mr. Bennagen stated that the Filipino text has a
symbolic value for him and that he would like to affix his signature
thereto, adverting to Mr. Ople’s suggestion on the mechanics.

SUSPENSION OF SESSION

At this juncture, the Chair suspended the session.

It was 4:17 p.m.

RESUMPTION OF SESSION

At 4:27 p.m., session was resumed.

MOTION OF MR. BENGZON

Mr. Bengzon moved that the Members of the Commission
sign the Filipino text on October 15, 1986 subject to corrections, if
necessary, at a later date with respect to the translation. He explained
that the process of correction would be made by the Office of the
President before it is promulgated.

Mr. Bennagen seconded the motion.

Mr. Bengzon affirmed that the corrections would be based on individual observations of each Member.

Mr. Suarez proposed an amendment to the motion by setting a period before the promulgation.

Mr. Bengzon accepted the amendment to the motion.

Mr. Guingona suggested that the Members, although
unofficially, should be involved in the mechanics of the correction
because written reservations may not be enough.

Mr. Bengzon pointed out that the Body should act on the motion first before acting on the suggestion.

In reply to Mr. Ople’s query on who would arbitrate
the event of conflicting proposals on the Filipino test with respect to
any corrections thereon, Mr. Bengzon stated that it would be the Office
of the President, using its facilities, including consultation with the
proper government agency.

Mr. Bengzon agreed to the suggestion to vest in the
President of the Constitutional Commission the authority to act as the
supreme arbiter of any stylistic changes in the Filipino test after
October 15, 1986.

Mr. Monsod made it of record that the Commission had already passed a resolution on the controlling text for legal purposes.

MODIFIED MOTION OF MR. BENGZON

Mr. Bengzon moved that the Commission sign the
Filipino text on October 15, 1986, subject only to correction, if
necessary, at a later date but in no case later than the promulgation of
the Constitution, to be made by the Office of the President of the
Commission with respect to the translation.

Mr. Guingona supported the amendment of Mr. Ople,
however, he manifested that said amendment would relate to the President
of the Commission whether or not there is an extension as contemplated
under a proposed Executive Order.

In reply to Mr. Davide’s query, Mr. Bengzon affirmed
that the Commission would be promulgating the English text of the
Constitution but it would not yet promulgate the Filipino test. Mr.
Bengzon, however, agreed to change the word “promulgation” to
“ratification” to avoid any confusion.

RESTATEMENT OF MR. BENGZON’S MOTION

Thereupon, Mr. Bengzon restated his motion to the
effect that the Commission sign the Filipino text on October 15, 1986
subject only to correction, if necessary, at a later date but in no case
later than the ratification of the Constitution, to be made by the
President of the Commission with respect to the translation.

Mr. Guingona opined that the date should be much
earlier than the ratification because the people are entitled to know
the exact provisions. He then suggested that the Commission give
sufficient time, maybe a month, for it to be able to deliberate and
decide whether the translation is acceptable or not.

Mr. Bengzon replied that it was precisely the phrase
“in no case later than” that would qualify it because it could be any
day from October 16 onwards.

Mr. de Castro noted that after October 15, 1986, the
Office of the President of the Commission would be functus officio. He
then inquired whether the tenure of the President of the Commission
would be extended.

Responding thereto, Mrs. Muñoz Palma informed the
Body that the office has made representations with the Office of the
President for an executive order that would authorize an ad hoc special
committee to liquidate the affairs of the CONCOM so that anything like
this would come within the authority that would be given to it, with the
recommendation that the President of the Commission would be the
chairman of this special committee.

Reacting to Mr. Bengzon’s statement, Mr. Guingona
stated that the motion sets a maximum period and, therefore, the
Commission may accept within a week or even the next day. He pointed
out, however, that for the same reason, the acceptance may be delayed as
late as a day before the ratification. He reiterated that it was his
contention that the people should know the correct translation, as
accepted by the Commission, before the ratification.

Mr. Bacani suggested, to satisfy Mr. Guingona, that
the Filipino text should be corrected, at the most, two weeks after the
signing of the English test.

The Chair stated that if such stipulation is made,
the Commission would not be able to change it after said period, thereby
making it inflexible. The Chair stressed that, in any case, the ad hoc
committee in-charge of the translation could be counted upon to push the
translation.

VOTING ON THE MOTION

The Chair submitted the motion of Mr. Bengzon to a vote.

Mr. Guingona interposed an objection as far as the period is concerned.

Mr. Bennagen observed that most of those who are
involved in the translation are scholars and colleagues. He stated that
he just raised the question of translation on the basis of the worst
scenario. He then expressed confidence that the scholars would do an
excellent job.

Thereafter, Mr. Guingona withdrew his objection.

There being no further objections, the motion was approved by the Body.

FURTHER ANNOUNCEMENTS

Mr. Bengzon informed that the assembly time is 8:45
in the morning at the South Lounge and that, as agreed upon in the
caucus, the attire of the Gentlemen would be black pants and Barong
Tagalog. He also stated that departure for Malacañang by air-con bus at
the main entrance would be at two o’clock in the afternoon. He
underscored that spouses are invited.

With respect to the luncheon, Mr. Bengzon stated that each Member is entitled to two guests.

CONTINUATION OF CONSIDERATION OF THE COMMITTEE REPORT

Mr. Davide reminded the Chair that the districting
of Cavite had already been approved by the Body with Mr. Jamir’s
amendments engrossed therein.

With respect to the province of Quezon, Mr. Maambong
observed that Lucena City, Tayabas, and Lucban are misplaced in terms
of contiguity and adjacence. He pointed out that in the report of the
COMELEC, the First District included Tayabas and Lucban City under Items
9 and 10, and Second District included Lucena City under Item 6, in
view of, which, he suggested that in order to comply with the
requirements of contiguity and adjacence, the original COMELEC proposal
should be retained.

He affirmed that his proposal would be to transfer
Lucban and Tayabas to the First District and to delete therefrom Lucena
City which should be transferred to the Second District.

Mr. Davide accepted the amendment.

APPROVAL OF THE AMENDMENT

As proposed by Mr. Davide, the Body accepted the
amendment to insert, after “Pagbilao”, LUCBAN, TAYABAS, and for the
second district, delete “Tayabas” and “Lucban” and in lieu thereof,
insert CITY OF LUCENA AND THE MUNICIPALITIES OF.

APPROVAL OF THE APPORTIONMENT FOR REGION IV

On motion of Mr. Davide, there being no objection,
the Body approved the apportionment and districting of the provinces,
together with the cities, comprised in Region IV, to wit:

Aurora — one (1) district

Batangas, with the cities of Batangas and Lipa — four (4) districts

Cavite , with the cities of Tagaytay, Cavite and Trece Martires — three (3) districts

Laguna, with the City of San Pablo — four (4) districts

Marinduque — one (1) district

Occidental Mindoro — one (1) district

Oriental Mindoro — two (2) districts

Palawan , with the City of Puerto Princesa — two (2) districts

Quezon, with the City of Lucena — four (4) districts

Rizal — two (2) districts

Romblon — one (1) district

APPORTIONMENT FOR REGION III

Mr. Suarez read the list of the following districts for Nueva Ecija:

First District: Nampicuan, Cuyapo, Guimba, Licab, Quezon, Sto. Domingo, Aliaga, Zaragoza, and Talugtog

Second District: Lupao, Muñoz, Talavera, San Jose City, Caranglan, Pantabangan, Llanera, and Rizal

Third District: Cabanatuan City, General Natividad, Palayan City, Bongabong, Laur, Gabaldon, and Sta. Rosa.

Fourth District: San Leonardo, General Tinio, Peñaranda, Gapan, San Isidro, Cabiao, San Antonio, and Jaen.

PROPOSED AMENDMENT OF MR. SUAREZ

Mr. Suarez proposed to transfer “Talavera” to the first district and “Talugtog” to the second district.

Mr. Davide accepted the amendment which, there being no objection, was approved by the Body.

APPROVAL OF THE APPORTIONMENT FOR REGION III

On motion of Mr. Davide, there being no objection,
the Body approved the apportionment and districting of the provinces and
the cities of the following provinces in Region III together with the
component cities therein:

Bataan — 2 districts

Bulacan — 4 districts

Nueva Ecija — 4 districts

Pampanga — 4 districts

Tarlac — 3 districts

Zambales — 2 districts

At this juncture, Mr. Davide informed the Body that
Mr. Regalado made a reservation with the Committee for the possible
reopening of the approval of Region I with respect to Benguet and Baguio
City.

REMARKS OF MR. REGALADO

Mr. Regalado stated that in the formulation of the
Committee, Baguio City and Tuba are placed in one district. He stated
that he was toying with the idea that, perhaps as a special
consideration for Baguio because it is the summer capital of the
Philippines, Tuba could be divorced from Baguio City so that it could,
by itself, have its own constituency and Tuba could be transferred to
the Second District together with Itogon.

Mr. Davide, however, pointed out that the population of Baguio City is only 141, 149.

Mr. Regalado admitted that the regular population of
Baguio may be lower during certain times of the year, but the transient
population would increase the population substantially and, therefore,
for purposes of business and professional transactions, it is beyond
question that population-wise, Baguio would more than qualify, not to
speak of the official business matters, transactions and offices that
are also there.

Mr. Davide adverted to Director de Lima’s statement
that unless Tuba and Baguio City are united, Tuba will be isolated from
the rest of Benguet as the place can only be reached by passing through
Baguio City. He stated that the Committee would submit the matter to the
Body.

Upon inquiry of the Chair whether he is insisting on
his amendment, Mr. Regalado stated that the Body should have a say on
the matter and that the considerations he had given are not on the
demographic aspects but on the fact that Baguio City is the summer
capital, the venue and situs of many government offices and functions.

On motion of Mr. Davide, there being no objection,
the Body approved the reconsideration of the earlier approval of the
apportionment and districting of Region I, particularly Benguet.

Thereafter, on motion of Mr. Davide, there being no
objection, the amendment of Mr. Regalado was put to a vote. With 14
Members voting in favor and none against, the amendment was approved by
the Body.

Mr. Davide informed that in view of the approval of
the amendment, Benguet with Baguio City will have two seats. The First
District shall comprise of the municipalities of Mankayan, Buguias,
Bakun, Kabayan, Kibungan, Bokod, Atok, Kapangan, Tublay, La Trinidad,
Sablan, Itogon and Tuba. The Second District shall comprise of Baguio
City alone.

There being no objection, the Body approved the apportionment and districting of Region I.

REGION 5

Point of Information of Mr. Sarmiento

In connection with the province of Sorsogon in
Region V, Mr. Sarmiento informed that a group of concerned Sorsogon
citizens gave him a petition requesting for the’ amendment of the
Committee Report on Sorsogon. He noted that the petitioners are
requesting for the removal of the towns of Prieto Diaz ,and Gubat from
the First District and their transfer to the Second District; the
transfer of Magallanes and Casiguran from the Second to the First
District.

Mr. Sarmiento stated the rationale of the proposed
amendment, to wit: 1) the groupings of municipalities suggested were the
groupings followed prior to the proclamation of martial law and will
avoid confusion; 2) the dialects in the municipalities are almost
similar and that most of the residents in these municipalities know each
other or are related to each other; 3) traveling by land or sea from
one municipality to the other is easier as the municipalities are
compact and adjacent; and 4) the distribution of the population in the
First and Second Districts are almost equal, the First District bigger
only by 8,392.

Mr. Sarmiento noted that in the Committee Report, the difference in population between the two districts would be 34,288.

Upon inquiry of Mr. Suarez, Mr. Sarmiento affirmed
that the proposal will serve to destroy warlordism in Sorsogon. He
informed, further, that during the deliberations, Director de Lima
conceded that the group of concerned Sorsogueños has personal first-hand
knowledge of the conditions arid situation in the area.

Mr. Davide stated that the only concern of the
Committee is that between Casiguran which will be in the Second
District, and Magallanes which is to be in the First District, the
municipality of Juban would still be in the Second District and to reach
Magallanes from Casiguran one has to pass through Juban.

SUSPENSION OF SESSION

The Chair suspended the session.

It was 5:04 p.m.

RESUMPTION OF SESSION

At 5:13 p.m., the session was resumed.

Upon resumption, Mr. Sarmiento moved that the towns
of Prieto Diaz and Gubat be transferred from the First to the Second
District and that the towns of Magallanes and Casiguran be transferred
from the Second to the First District of Sorsogon.

Mr. Davide informed that the Committee would prefer to submit the matter to the Body.

Submitted to, a vote, and with 16 Members voting in
favor, none against and 2 abstentions, the amendment was approved by the
Body.

In view thereof, Mr. Davide stated that Sorsogon
will have two seats, the First District to be comprised of the
municipalities of Sorsogon, Pilar, Donsol, Castilla, Bacon, Casiguran,
and Magallanes; and the Second District to be comprised of the
municipalities of Prieto Diaz, Gubat, Barcelona, Juban, Bulusan, Irosin,
Sta. Magdalena, Matnog, and Bulan.

There being no objection, the Body approved the apportionment and districting of Sorsogon.

Thereafter, there being no objection, the Body
approved the apportionment and districting of Region V comprised of the
following provinces and components cities: Albay (with Legaspi City), 3
seats; Camarines Norte, 1 seat; Camarines Sur (with the Cities of Naga
and Iriga), 4 seats; Catanduanes, 1 seat; Masbate, 3 seats; and
Sorsogon, 2 seats.

REGION VI

There being no objection, the Body approved the
apportionment and districting of Region VI comprised of the following
provinces and component cities: Aklan, 1 seat; Antique, 1 seat; Capiz
(with Roxas City),-2 seats; Iloilo Province, 5 seats; Iloilo City, 1
seat; Negros Occidental (with cities of San Carlos, Cadiz, Bago, La
Carlota, Silay), 6 seats; and Bacolod City, 1 seat.

REGION VII

Inquiry of Mr. Maambong

On the apportionment and districting of Region VII,
specifically with respect to Cebu City, Mr. Maambong inquired why Busay,
which is beside Banilad, Barrio Talamban and Barrio Lahug in the first
District, was placed in the Second District.

In reply thereto, Mr. Davide stated that with the
natural boundary composed of Guadalupe River of the City of Cebu, it was
determined that all barangays south of the said river shall constitute
the Second District and those in the north the First District, and it
was just by inadvertence that Busay was included, which should have been
in the First District if the natural boundary is to be followed.

Thereupon, Mr. Maambong moved that Busay be
transferred to the First District. Mr. Davide proposed that Busay be
placed after Budla-an, in accordance with the alphabetical listing under
Cebu City.

There being no objection, the amendment was approved by the Body.

Mr. Maambong remarked that there was a
recommendation from certain sectors that Guadalupe in the Second
District should be placed in the First District and noted, with
satisfaction, that it has been placed in the Second District where it
properly belongs. Mr. Davide stated that the Committee received Mr.
Maambong’s objection to the proposal.

Mr. Maambong mentioned that he had submitted a
report to the Committee dated October 10, 1986 containing a
recommendation, which later shall be inserted into the Record, that in
determining the district, the Body should adopt an unwritten rule that
if the area of the district concerned is big, in all fairness, the
population shall be small and if the area is small the population should
be bigger in order to balance the area and population. He observed that
the Committee Report seems to have followed this trend although he
would like to suggest some amendments.

Thereafter, Mr. Maambong made the following suggestions:

1) First District — as is

2) Second District — add the municipality of Dumanjug

3) Third District — add the town of Tuburan

4) Fourth District — remove Tuburan, add Tabogon

5) Fifth District — remove Tabogon

6) Sixth District — as is

Under the proposal, he informed that the biggest
district would be the Third, the second biggest — the Sixth, the third
biggest — the First.

In justifying his amendment,, Mr. Maambong noted
that the First District has six municipalities and that although the
area is smaller, its population is bigger; in the case of the Sixth
District which has a population of 321,936, the area is small consisting
of two cities and municipalities; in the case of the Third District,
there are six municipalities and one city; in the case of the Fourth
District, there are nine municipalities, three of which are in the
island of Bantayan which is inaccessible, and that altogether the area
has a population of 291,444; in the case of the Fifth District, there
are a few municipalities and one city as well as the remote island of
Camotes and that altogether the population is also small; in the case of
the Second District, it has 15 municipalities.

Upon inquiry of Mr. Maambong, Mr. Davide informed that the amendment would be considered district by district.

Mr. Maambong stated that with the addition of
Dumanjug with a population of 27,455, the total population of the Second
District would increase from 271,449 to 298,937; with the removal of
Dumanjug from the Third District, and the addition of Tuburan with a
population of 47,353 thereto, the total population would be 331,204.

He stated that the town of Tuburan with a population
of 23,277 was transferred from the Fourth District to the Third
District, which would now have a total population of 291,444.

In the Fifth District, he explained that the total
population would be 283,052 with the transfer of Tabogon to the Fourth
District; while there had been no change in the Committee Report for the
Sixth District.

In view thereof, Mr. Maambong affirmed that the
Second District would be composed of Argao, Dalaguete, Alcoy, Boljoon,
Oslob, Santander, Sanboan, Ginatilan, Malabuyoc, Alegria, Badian,
Moalboal, Alcantara, Ronda and Dumanjug; the Third District to he
composed of Barili, Aloguinsan, Pinamungajan, Toledo City, Balamban,
Asturias and Tuburan; the Fourth District to be composed of Tabuelan,
San Remigio, Sta. Fe, Bantayan, Madridejos, Daanbantayan, Medellin, Bogo
and Tabogon; and the Fifth District to be composed of Borbon, Sugod,
Catmon, Carmen, Danao City, Compostela, Liloan, San Francisco, Poro,
Tudela and Pilar.

On motion of Mr. Davide, there being no objection,
the amendments on the districting of the province of Cebu was approved
by the Body.

APPROVAL OF THE APPORTIONMENT AND DISTRICTING OF THE PROVINCES AND CITIES IN REGION VII

Thereafter, on motion of Mr. Davide, there being no
objection, the Body approved the following apportionment and districting
for the following provinces and cities, including component and
urbanized cities, in Region VII: Bohol (with the City of Tagbilaran), 3;
Cebu (with the Cities of Danao, Lapu-Lapu and Mandaue), 6; Cebu City,
2; Negros Oriental (with the Cities of Bais, Canlaon and Dumaguete), 3;
and Siquijor, 1.

APPROVAL OF THE APPORTIONMENT AND DISTRICTING FOR THE PROVINCES AND CITIES OF REGION VIII

There being no further amendment, on motion of Mr.
Davide, there being no objection, the Body approved the following
apportionment and districting for the following provinces and cities, in
Region VIII: Leyte (with the cities of Tacloban and Ormoc), 5; Southern
Leyte, 1; Eastern Samar, 1; Northern Samar, 2; and Samar (with Calbayog
City), 2.

AMENDMENTS OF MR. ABUBAKAR ON THE PROVINCE OF SULU

In view of the proximity of the places concerned and
the similarity of dialects therein, Mr. Abubakar proposed the following
rearrangement in the two districts, so that the First District would be
comprised of the Island of Jolo, which includes Indanan, Talipao,
Patikul, New Panamao, Caluang and the Islands of Tongkil and Pangutaran
which are both close to Jolo; while the Second District would be
composed of the Islands of Siasi, Pandami, Tapul, Lugus, Parang,
Maimbung Pata, Panamao and Luuk.

He explained that while the municipalities of the
First District are identified with the Island of Jolo, the
municipalities or islands in the Second District are identified with
Siasi.

In reply, Mr. Davide maintained that the Committee’s
proposal be approved because if Panamao would be separated from New
Panamao, and Parang would be transferred to the Second District, while
Tongkil would be included in the First District, there would be
violation of the standard of contiguity. He noted that Parang is very
close to Indanan, Talipao and Jolo, and if the former would be included
in the Second District, it would be isolated from the three
municipalities.

On Mr. Abubakar’s contention that Parang is a
coastal municipality and is-overlooking the island of Tabuk, Mr. Davide
explained that Parang is close to Indanan and Talipao, while New Panamao
and Panamao should not be separated from each other.

At this juncture, Mr. Davide moved for the deferment
of Mr. Abubakar’s proposed amendment while the latter is studying the
map of Sulu Islands, which motion, there being no objection, was
approved by the body.

APPROVAL OF THE APPORTIONMENT AND DISTRICTING OF THE OTHER PROVINCES AND CITIES OF REGION IX

Thereafter, on motion of Mr. Davide, there being no
objection, the Body approved the apportionment and districting of the
following provinces and cities of Region IX: Tawi-Tawi, 1, Zamboanga del
Norte (with the cities of Dapitan and Dipolog), 3; Zamboanga del Sur
(with the city of Pagadian), 3; Zamboanga City, 1; and Basilan, 1.

APPROVAL OF THE APPORTIONMENT AND DISTRICTING FOR THE PROVINCES AND CITIES OF REGION X

On motion of Mr. Davide, there being no objection,
the Body approved the apportionment and districting in the following
provinces and cities of Region X: Agusan del Norte (with Butuan City),
2; Agusan del Sur, 1; Bukidnon, 3; Camiguin, 1; Misamis Occidental (with
the cities of Oroquieta, Ozamis and Tangub), 2; Misamis Oriental (with
Gingoog City), 2; Cagayan de Oro City, 1; and Surigao del Norte (with
Surigao City), 2.

APPROVAL OF THE APPORTIONMENT AND DISTRICTING OF THE PROVINCES AND CITIES OF REGION XI

On motion of Mr. Davide, there being no objection,
the Body approved the following apportionment and districting for the
provinces and cities in Region XI: Davao del Norte, 3; Davao Oriental,
2; Davao del Sur, 2; Davao City, 3; South Cotabato (with General Santos
City), 3; and Surigao del Sur, 2.

AMENDMENT OF MR. UKA ON THE DISTRICTING OF THE PROVINCE OF MAGUINDANAO

On the Province of Maguindanao (Region XII), Mr. Uka
proposed to transfer the municipality of Upi, with a total population
of 43,250, to the First District, which would now have a total
population of 340,299, while leaving the Second District with a
population of 252,370.

He explained that his proposal was based on
geographical, historical and cultural considerations. He Stated that it
would promote unity, and peace and order in the Region. He also noted
that the municipality of Upi is contiguous to its former mother
municipality.

Mr. Davide accepted Mr. Uka’s amendment, so that the
First District of Maguindanao would be composed of Cotabato City, and
the municipalities of Parang, Sultan Kudarat, Buldon, Barira, Dinaig,
Kabuntalan, Matanog and Upi, and there being no objection, the same was
approved by the Body.

On motion of Mr. Davide, there being no objection,
the Body approved the redistricting of the Second District of
Maguindanao such that it would be composed of the following: Pagalungan,
Buluan, Sultan sa Barongis, Maganoy, Talayan, South Upi, Datu Piang,
Datu Paglas and Ampatuan.

LANAO DEL SUR

As proposed by Mr. Alonto and accepted by the
Committee, the Body approved the transfer of the Municipality of Masiu
from the First District to the Second District.

As a consequence, on motion of Mr. Alonto, there
being no objection, the Body approved the districting of the First
District, as follows: Marawi City, Marantao, Piagapo, Saguiaran,
Tagoloan, Kapai, Ditsaan-Ramain, Bubong, Buadiposo-Buntong, Bumbaran,
Maguing, Wao, Mulundu, Taraka, Lumba-Bayabao, Tamparan and Poona
Bayabao.

LANAO DEL NORTE

As proposed by Mr. Alonto and accepted by the
Committee, the Body approved the composition, as amended, of the First
and Second Districts of Lanao del Norte, to wit:

First District: Iligan City, Linamon, Kauswagan, Bacolod, Maigo, Kolambugan, Tubod and Baroy

Second District: Baloi, Pantar, Tagoloan,
Poona-Piagapo, Pantao-Ragat, Matungao, Tangkal, Munai, Nunungan,
Magsaysay, Salvador, Kapatagan, Karomatan, Sapad and Lala.

SULTAN KUDARAT AND NORTH COTABATO

Mr. Davide stated that there are no amendments on the districts of North Cotabato and Sultan Kudarat.

APPROVAL OF THE APPORTIONMENT AND DISTRICTING OF REGION XII

On motion of Mr. Davide, there being no objection,
the Body approved the apportionment and districting of the provinces and
the component cities of Region XII, to wit: Lanao del Norte (with
Iligan City?, 2; Lanao del Sur (with Marawi City), 2; Maguindanao (with
Cotabato City), 2; North Cotabato, 2; and Sultan Kudarat, 1.

SUSPENSION OF SESSION

At 5:56 p.m., the Chair suspended the session.

RESUMPTION OF SESSION

At 6:11 p.m., the session was resumed.

WITHDRAWAL OF MR. ABUBAKAR’S PROPOSED AMENDMENT

Upon resumption of session, Mr. Davide stated that
Mr. Abubakar is withdrawing his proposed amendment for the redistricting
of Sulu.

APPROVAL OF THE DISTRICTING OF SULU

In view of the withdrawal, on motion of Mr. Davide,
there being no objection, the Body approved the districting of Sulu with
two districts.

APPROVAL OF THE APPORTIONMENT AND DISTRICTING OF REGION IX

On motion of Mr. Davide, there being no objection,
the Body approved the apportionment and districting of the provinces and
component cities and highly urbanized city of Region IX, to wit:
Basilan, 1; Sulu, 2; Tawi-Tawi, 1; Zamboanga del Norte (with the cities
of Dapitan and Dipolog), 3; Zamboanga del Sur (with Pagadian City), 3;
and Zamboanga City, 1.

MOTION FOR THE RECONSIDERATION OF REGION VII

Mr. Davide moved for the reconsideration of the
approval of the apportionment and districting of Region VII in view of
the transfer of the Municipality of Busay to the First District.

Mr. Maambong stated that he was the one who
initiated the transfer of the Municipality of Busay from the Second
District to the First District. He then inquired whether the
Municipality of Guadalupe should likewise be transferred to the First
District.

In reply thereto, Mr. Rama explained that with the
transfer of Busay to the First District, Guadalupe could fit in the new
configuration. He affirmed that the transfer would definitely comply
with the standards of contiguity, adjacence and compactness, adding that
there would be no change in the population level in the balancing of
the population of the First and Second Districts.

On Mr. Maambong’s inquiry, Mr. Davide affirmed that
should Guadalupe be transferred to the First District, it goes with the
transfer of Busay which has already been approved. He explained that
Guadalupe and Busay would be transferred from the Second District of
Cebu City to the First District of the same city.

SUSPENSION OF SESSION

The Chair suspended the session.

It was 6:16 p.m.

RESUMPTION OF SESSION

At 6:22 p.m., the session was resumed.

APPROVAL OF THE MOTION FOR RECONSIDERATION

On motion of Mr. Rama, there being no objection, the Body approved the reconsideration of Region VII.

PROPOSED AMENDMENT OF MR. RAMA

Mr. Rama proposed the transfer of Barrio Guadalupe
to the First District, the reason being that it is adjacent and it would
balance off the population level.

In reply, Ms. Aquino adverted to the COMELEC report
which indicated that the projected population for Barrio Guadalupe is
38,974.

Mr. Maambong clarified, in reply to Mr. Davide’s
remark quoting him to have objected to the proposal to transfer
Guadalupe, that it was somebody else who made the objection. He stated
that the proposal of Mr. Rama seems to be justified considering that the
area where Guadalupe is supposed to be taken out is very big.

Mr. Rama pointed out that the Body earlier adopted a
policy that where the area is big, the transfer could be effected
provided that it would balance off the population level, which policy,
he stated, would justify his proposal to transfer Barrio Guadalupe to
the First District of Cebu City.

SUSPENSION OF SESSION

Upon request of Mr. Rama, the Chair suspended the session.

It was 6:27 p.m.

RESUMPTION OF SESSION

At 6:36 p.m., the session was resumed.

Upon resumption of session, Mr. Davide proposed to
substitute the phrase “as shown in Annex A” with AS FOLLOWS: followed by
the enumeration of the regions starting from Region I.

Mr. Ople seconded the proposal.

There being no objection, the same was approved by the Body.

Thereafter, Mr. Davide moved that the 4-page summary
attached to the Ordinance be excluded therefrom since its purpose is
only for the guidance of the Body.

Mr. Ople seconded the motion.

There being no objection, the same was approved by the Body.

AMENDMENT OF MR. MAAMBONG

Mr. Maambong then proposed to insert the Roman number VI in Section 3 of the Article on the Legislative.

Mr. Davide accepted the proposal.

There being no objection, the same was approved by the Body.

INQUIRY OF MR. OPLE

In reply to Mr. Ople’s query, Mr. Davide stated that
there is no need to assign an article to the Ordinance. He explained
that Mr. Maambong’s proposal was simply to fill up Section 3 of the
Resolution itself which reads “according to the standards set forth in
Section 5 of Article of the Constitution.”

Mr. Ople observed that it is a link to the Article on the Legislative, which Mr. Davide affirmed.

AMENDMENT OF MR. MAAMBONG

In addition thereto, Mr. Maambong stated that it is
actually a reference to the authority of the Body under the approved
Article of the Constitution. He then queried whether the Committee has
taken cognizance of his earlier proposal to transfer the town of
Impasugong in the Province of Bukidnon from the First District to the
Second District.

Mr. Davide accepted the proposal.

Submitted to a vote, and there being no objection, the same was approved by the Body.

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS

Thereafter, Mr. Davide stated that, upon suggestion
of Atty. Orquiola, the word ORDINANCE in capital letters should be
placed as the heading at the center of the Resolution.

In reply to Mr. Ople’s query, Mr. Davide affirmed
that it would mean that the entire caption of the Resolution would be
deleted.

Submitted to a vote, and there being no objection, the same was approved by the Body.

Thereafter, Mr. Davide stated that the title of the
Resolution shall read: ORDINANCE APPORTIONING THE MEMBERS OF THE HOUSE
OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE CONGRESS OF THE PHILIPPINES TO THE DIFFERENT
LEGISLATIVE DISTRICTS IN PROVINCES AND CITIES AND THE METROPOLITAN
MANILA AREA, to be immediately followed by Section 1.

Submitted to a vote, and there being no objection, the same was approved by the Body.

Mr. Ople proposed to substitute “Members of” with SEATS IN.

Mr. Davide accepted the proposal.

In reply to Mr. Suarez’ query as to how many seats are being apportioned, Mr. Davide replied that there would be 200 seats.

On Mr. Maambong’s query as to how many would be
allotted for sectoral representatives, Mr. Davide replied that 50 would
be allotted for them as provided for in the Constitution itself.

APPROVAL, ON SECOND READING, OF RESOLUTION NO. 551 ON THE APPORTIONMENT ORDINANCE

Thereupon, on motion of Mr. Davide, there being no
objection, the Body approved Resolution No. 551 on the Apportionment
Ordinance, as amended.

APPROVAL ON THIRD READING

Thereafter, under the suspended Rules, Mr. Davide moved for approval on Third Reading.

Mr. Ople seconded the motion.

Mr. Davide stated, for the record, that there would be no need for nominal voting under the suspended Rules.

Thereafter, submitted to a vote, and there being no
objection, the Body approved, on Third Reading, Resolution No. 551 on
the Apportionment Ordinance, as amended.

At this juncture, Mr. Davide stated that the
Ordinance would be subject to rewriting by the Committee on Style. He
suggested that there should be a period (.) instead of a semicolon (;)
after the completion of the enumeration for every province.

The Chair took note of the manifestation.

Thereafter, Mr. Maambong stated that on matter of
sequencing, the Subcommittee on Rubrics had reinserted a subsection
which was originally a section in the Article on the Commission on
Elections so that it would now have 11 sections instead of the original
10.

ADJOURNMENT OF SESSION

On motion of Mr. Ramas there being no objection the
Chair declared the session adjourned until eight thirty in the morning
of Wednesday, October 15, 1986.

It was 6:53 p.m.

I hereby certify to the correctness of the foregoing.

(SGD.) FLERIDA RUTH P. ROMERO
Secretary-General

ATTESTED:

(SGD.) CECILIA MUÑOZ PALMA
President

Approved on October 15, 1986