Plebiscite on dividing Maguindanao into 2 provinces set for September 17

A plebiscite to decide whether to ratify the law splitting Maguindanao into two provinces has been scheduled by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for September 17.

This was announced by acting Comelec spokesperson Rex Laudiangco on Thursday.

Under Republic Act 11550, or the law dividing the province of Maguindanao into Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur, the two provinces will be created upon approval by the majority of the votes cast by the voters of the affected areas in a plebiscite to be conducted and supervised by the Comelec within 90 days from the date of the effectivity of the law.

President Rodrigo Duterte signed the law on May 27, 2021. 

Under the law, Maguindanao del Norte will be composed of the municipalities of Barira, Buldon, Datu Blah Sinsuat, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Kabuntalan, Matanog, Northern Kabuntalan, Parang, North Upi, Sultan Kudarat, Sultan Mastura, and Talitay. Its seat of government will be Datu Odin Sinsuat.

Maguindanao del Sur will be composed of Ampatuan, Buluan, Datu Abdulla Sangki, Datu Anggal Midtimbang, Datu Hoffer Ampatuan, Datu Montawal, Datu Paglas, Datu Piang, Datu Salibo, Datu Saudi Ampatuan, Datu Unsay, Gen. Salipada K. Pendatun, Guindulungan, Mamasapano, Mangudadatu, Pagalungan, Paglat, Pandag, Rajah Buayan, Sharif Aguak, Sharif Saydona Mustafa, Sultan sa Barongis, Talayan, and South Upi. Its seat of government will be Buluan.

Meanwhile, the Comelec granted honoraria to 20 personnel of the Department of Information and Communications Technology who provided technical support during the May 9 national and local polls.

Further, the poll body approved the posting and publication of Forms "1" and "A" of the Statements of Contributions and Expenditures (SOCE) of national candidates, party-list groups, and political parties on the Comelec website, subject to full compliance with data privacy laws, rules, and regulations. —VBL, GMA News