MANILA, Philippines — Three months before the midterm elections, President Duterte signed into law the bill reapportioning Southern Leyte into two legislative districts.
The President signed Republic Act 11198 last Feb. 1.
Under the law, the first district of the province will be composed of Maasin City and the towns of Macrohon, Padre Burgos, Limasawa, Malitbog, Tomas Oppus and Bontoc.
The towns of Sogod, Libagon, Liloan, San Francisco, Pintuyan, San Ricardo, Saint Bernard, Anahawan, San Juan, Hinundayan, Hinunangan and Silago will comprise the second district.
The incumbent congressman of Southern Leyte’s lone district will continue to represent the entire province until the election of the representatives of the two districts.
Southern Leyte has more than 260,000 voters, according to data from the Commission on Elections.
Critics slammed the division of districts as gerry-
mandering, which they said would mean additional expenses for taxpayers.