‘SJDM should have 2 seats in Bulacan provincial board’

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) has ordered the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to allocate two seats in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Bulacan for the lone legislative district of San Jose del Monte.

In a 15-page ruling, the SC en banc said San Jose del Monte is entitled to its own representation in the provincial board.

“Owing to the nature of San Jose del Monte as a lone legislative district, qualified voters therein have the right to elect their own representatives in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan as much as they have the right to be represented in the House of Representatives,” the SC ruling read.

The decision, which was promulgated on June 13, 2023, was published on the website of the SC only on Thursday.

The Comelec should amend its Resolution 10707, which stated that San Jose del Monte should vote for members of the provincial board in the fourth legislative district of Bulacan, according to the high tribunal.

The Comelec resolution set the rules and regulations in the implementation of Republic Act 11546, which reapportioned Bulacan into six legislative districts, but left out San Jose del Monte.

The high court granted the petition of San Jose del Monte Rep. Florida Robes, who assailed the Comelec resolution.

The SC said  the Comelec “veered away” from the provisions of the Local Government Code when it recognized the representation of San Jose del Monte in the lower house, but dismissed its “consequential significance” in determining the lone legislative district’s entitlement for seats in the provincial board.

“This erroneous interpretation would effectively deny the lone legislative district of San Jose del Monte of its status as a full-fledged legislative district for purposes of entitling it to two seats in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan,” the SC said.