The pioneer congressmen of Cebu
The Philippine Organic Act of 1902 established the bicameral congress of the Philippines. Though technically it was only in 1916 via the Jones Law of 1916 when truly our congress became bicameral with us having our own senators. In 1907, the Filipinos had the first chance of electing its own national legislators, it was called the 1st Philippine Legislature. The assembly composed the Lower House while the Philippine Commission, whose members were appointed by the Americans, comprised the Upper House. The election was held on July 30, 1907 with the following victors and pioneer national legislators, representing the old seven congressional districts of Cebu:
1st District: CELESTINO LASALA RODRIGUEZ. He sat for two terms from 1907 to 1912. His district was composed of Bogo, Borbon, Carmen, Catmon, Danao, Pilar, San Francisco, Tabogon, Tudela, Poro, and Sogod.
2nd District: SERGIO SUICO OSMEÑA. He dominated the district from 1907 up to 1922, until he left the district to run for the 10th Senatorial District composed of Cebu. This was the launching pad for the Grand old Man of Cebu for national stature as he became the first Speaker of the Philippine Congress. Don Sergio was succeeded by Don Vicente Yap Sotto who was the district representative from 1922 to 1925. He was in turn replaced by Don Paulino Arandia Gullas, founder of The FREEMAN, from 1925-1928.
3rd District: FILEMON YAP SOTTO. He was the elder brother of Vicente and was representative from 1907 to 1916. He ran in 1916 when the Senate was established.
4th District: ALEJANDRO RUIZ. He represented the district from 1907 to 1916. He was succeeded by Isidoro Aldenese of Sibonga, Cebu.
5th District: TROADIO GALICANO. He served from 1907 to 1912. He was succeeded by Mariano Jesus Cuenco in 1912, he was elected as senator representing the 11th Senatorial District.
6th District: CASIANO CAUSING. He served from 1907 to 1909 in the district composed of Aloguinsan, Barili, Dumanjug, Pinamungajan, Toledo, and Ronda.
7th District: PEDRO LASALA RODRIGUEZ. He served from 1907 to 1909 in the district composed of Asturias, Balamban, Bantayan, Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remegio, Tuburan, Santa Fe, Madridejos, and Tabuelan.
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