Creation of S Kabunsuan province voided by SC

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court has nullified the creation of the province of Shariff Kabunsuan in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Voting 8-6, the high court said the Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act 201, which carved out part of Maguindanao province to create Shariff Kabunsuan was unconstitutional because only the Philippine Congress can create provinces and cities. Shariff Kabunsuan was formed on Aug. 28, 2006 by the ARMM’s Regional Legislative Assembly from towns under Maguindanao’s first district: Barira, Buldon, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Kabuntalan, Matanog, Parang, Sultan Kudarat, Sultan Mastura and Upi. Acting on a petition contesting the act, the court declared that only the national congress has the authority to create provinces. With the ruling, the ARMM will be back to five provinces and one city. These are the provinces of Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Sulu and Tawi-tawi, plus the city of Marawi. - GMANews.TV