President Benigno Aquino III has signed into a law a measure dividing Cotabato province into three legislative districts, Malacañang announced Saturday.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said Aquino signed Republic Act 10177 into law on September 14.

In an interview on government-run dzRB radio, Valte said the law will take effect 15 days after publication in a newspaper of general circulation.

Under the new law, the three legislative districts will be effective in the next national elections. The three legislative districts will include:

- First Legislative District – municipalities of Pikit, Pigkawayan, Alamada, Libungan, Midsayap and Aleosan

- Second Legislative District – City of Kidapawan and the municipalities of Makilala, Magpet, Roxas, Antipas and Arakan

- Third Legislative District – municipalities of Banilisan, Carmen, Kabacan, Matalam, Mlang and Tulunan.

“The incumbent Representatives of the First and Second Legislative Districts of the Province of Cotabato shall continue to represent their respective legislative district until the new Representatives shall have been elected and qualified,” the law said.

It added the Commission on Elections shall issue the necessary rules and regulations to implement this Act. — LBG, GMA News