Each province is a member of the
League of Provinces of the Philippines, an organization that aims to address issues affecting provincial and metropolitan government administrations.[1]
Government
A provincial government is autonomous of other provinces within the republic. Each province is governed by two main elected branches of the government: executive and legislative. Judicial affairs are separated from provincial governance and are administered by the
Supreme Court of the Philippines. Each province has at least one branch of a
Regional Trial Court.
The provincial governor is chief executive and head of each province. Elected to a term of three years and limited to three consecutive terms, he or she appoints the directors of each provincial department which include the office of administration, engineering office, information office, legal office, and treasury office.
The vice governor acts as the president for each Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP; "Provincial Board"), the province's legislative body. Every SP is composed of regularly elected members from provincial districts, as well as ex officio members. The number of regularly elected SP members allotted to each province is determined by its income class. First- and second-class provinces are provided ten regular SP members; third- and fourth-class provinces have eight, while fifth- and sixth-class provinces have six. Exceptions are provinces with more than five congressional districts, such as
Cavite with 16 regularly elected SP members, and
Cebu,
Negros Occidental and
Pangasinan which have twelve each.
Every SP has designated seats for ex officio members, given to the respective local presidents of the Association of
Barangay Captains (ABC), Philippine Councilors' League (PCL), and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK; "Youth Council").
The vice governor and regular members of an SP are elected by the voters within the province. Ex officio members are elected by members of their respective organizations.
Relation to other levels of government
National government
National intrusion into the affairs of each provincial government is limited by the Philippine Constitution. The
President of the Philippines however coordinates with provincial administrators through the
Department of the Interior and Local Government. For purposes of national representation, each province is guaranteed its own
congressional district. One congressional representative represents each district in the
House of Representatives.
Senatorial representation is elected at an at-large basis and not apportioned through territory-based districts.
Those classified as either "highly urbanized" or "independent component" cities are
independent from the province, as provided for in Section 29 of the Local Government Code of 1991.[2] Although such a city is a self-governing second-level entity, in many cases it is often presented as part of the province in which it is geographically located, or in the case of
Zamboanga City, the
province it last formed part the congressional representation of.
Local government units classified as "component" cities and municipalities are under the jurisdiction of the provincial government. In order to make sure that all component city or municipal governments act within the scope of their prescribed powers and functions, the Local Government Code mandates the provincial governor to review executive orders issued by mayors, and the
Sangguniang Panlalawigan to review legislation by the
Sangguniang Panlungsod (City Council) or
Sangguniang Bayan (Municipal Council), of all component cities and municipalities under the province's jurisdiction.[2]
Barangays
The provincial government does not have direct relations with individual barangays. Supervision over a barangay government is the mandate of the mayor and the Sanggunian of the component city or municipality of which the barangay in question is a part.[2]
Classification
Provinces are classified according to average annual income based on the previous 4 calendar years. Effective July 29, 2008, the thresholds for the income classes for cities are:[3][needs update]
A province's income class determines the size of the membership of its
Sangguniang Panlalawigan, and also how much it can spend on certain items, or procure through certain means.[2]
^Cabadbaran has been made the official capital of the province, as per Republic Act No. 8811. However, the seat of the provincial government is still in the process of being transferred from
Butuan, where the provincial government still holds office.
^The province maintains another government center in
Luna, where many national and provincial agencies now hold office.[11]
Ambos Camarines (1901–1908) – Divided into
Camarines Norte and
Camarines Sur, although the wording of Act No. 2809 implies Camarines Norte was created from Ambos Camarines, the remainder of which was renamed Camarines Sur. Camarines Sur retained the provincial capital of
Nueva Caceres.
Davao (1914–1967; 1972–1998) – Divided into
Davao del Norte,
Davao del Sur and
Davao Oriental. Davao del Norte was officially known as Davao from 1972 to 1998, when Compostela Valley (now
Davao de Oro) was later created from Davao province. Davao Occidental later created from Davao del Sur.
Agusan (1907–1967) – Partitioned into
Agusan del Norte and
Agusan del Sur. Agusan del Norte retained the former provincial capital of
Butuan. The provincial capital was officially transferred to Cabadbaran in 2000 but the provincial government services and functions are yet to be completely transferred to the new capital.[38]
Negros del Norte (1985–1986) – Batas Pambansa Blg. 885,[39] which created a new province out of the northern part of
Negros Occidental, took effect on December 23, 1985, with a plebiscite to ratify the law held on January 3, 1986. The province comprised the present-day cities of
Cadiz (which was to serve as the capital),
Escalante,
Sagay,
San Carlos,
Silay and
Victorias, as well as the municipalities of
Calatrava,
Don Salvador Benedicto,
Enrique B. Magalona,
Manapla, and
Toboso. Despite voters ratifying Batas Pambansa Blg. 885, on July 11, 1986, the
Supreme Court declared the law and the proclamation of the province null and void. The ruling states the enabling law was unconstitutional for, among other things, not including the rest of Negros Occidental in the plebiscite, and the proposed province not meeting the 3,500 square kilometer land area requirement of the 1983 Local Government Code.[40]
Shariff Kabunsuan (2006–2008) – Republic Act No. 9054 conferred to the
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao expanded powers, especially the capacity to create provinces (Article VI, Section 19).[41] Based on this, the
ARMM Regional Legislative Assembly enacted Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act No. 201 on August 28, 2006. The Act created a new province, comprising all the municipalities in the
first congressional district of Maguindanao (except
Cotabato City), with its capital at
Datu Odin Sinsuat. The province's creation was approved on October 28, 2006, by a majority vote in a
plebiscite. Responding to requests for clarification as to which congressional districts form Shariff Kabunsuan for the
2007 elections (specifically whether Cotabato City was part of the representation of the new province),
COMELEC issued Resolution No. 7845, which initially held Cotabato City to be the sole remaining
LGU in the First District of Maguindanao. COMELEC later amended this with Resolution No. 7902, which maintained the status quo before the province's creation. The COMELEC resolutions became the subject of
a case in which the Supreme Court opined that because "the power to create new a province or city inherently involves the power to create a legislative district"—a power that
Congress did not explicitly delegate to the ARMM Regional Assembly—the creation of a province by a lower legislative body (the ARMM Regional Assembly) will necessarily entail the creation of a legislative district for a higher legislative body (Congress). Therefore, on July 16, 2008, the Supreme Court declared Section 19, Article VI of RA No. 9054 unconstitutional, MMA Act No. 201 void, and COMELEC Resolution No. 7902 valid.[42]
Maguindanao (1973–2022) – Republic Act No. 11550[43] divided the province into Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur through a plebiscite. Maguindanao del Norte resembles the former province of Shariff Kabunsuan however adds the municipality of Sultan Sumagka into its territory. The capital of Maguindanao del Norte is
Datu Odin Sinsuat while the capital of Maguindanao del Sur is
Buluan.
When the United States acquired the Philippines from Spain in 1898, the islands were divided into four gobiernos (governments), which were further subdivided into provinces and districts. The American administration initially inherited the Spanish divisions and placed them under military government. As insurgencies were pacified, civil government was gradually organized.
1900–1901
November 23, 1900 – Civil government of the province of
Benguet established through Act No. 49. Capital moved to
Baguio.[44]
February 6, 1901 – Act No. 83, or the Provincial Government Act, enacted by the
Philippine Commission.[45]
February 13 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Pampanga through Act No. 85.[46]
February 18 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Tarlac through Act No. 87.[48]
February 27 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Bulacan through Act No. 88. Capital moved to
Malolos.[49]
March 2 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Bataan through Act No. 92.[50]
March 12 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Tayabas through Act No. 103. Capital moved to
Lucena.[51]
March 16 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Romblon, elevated from Spanish-era status of District, through Act No. 104.[52]
March 18 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Masbate, elevated from Spanish-era status of District, through Act No. 105.[53]
April 11 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Iloilo, formed through the merging of the Spanish-era Province of Iloilo with the
Comandancia of Concepcion, through Act No. 113.[54]
April 13 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Antique through Act No. 114.[55]
April 15 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Capiz through Act No. 115.[56]
April 18 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Cebu through Act No. 116.[57]
April 20 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Bohol through Act No. 117.[58]
April 22 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Leyte through Act No. 121.[59]
April 26 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Albay through Act No. 122.[60]
April 27 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Ambos Camarines through Act No. 123.[61]
April 30 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Sorsogon through Act No. 124.[62]
May 1:
Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Occidental Negros and
Oriental Negros through Acts No. 119[63] and 120,[64] respectively, enacted on April 20, 1901.
Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to newly created
Marinduque through Act No. 125.[65]
May 2 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Batangas through Act No. 126.[66]
May 15:
Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Surigao, elevated from Spanish-era status of District, through Act No. 127.[67]
Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Misamis through Act No. 128.[68]
June 11:
Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to newly created
Rizal, formed through the merging of the Politico-Military District of Morong with the entire
province of Manila except the territory of the
city of Manila, through Act No. 137.[69]
Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Cavite through Act No. 138. Annexed
Lubang and adjacent islands to the province. Provincial government provided an option to move capital from the town of
Cavite.[70]
Provisions of the Provincial Government Act extended to
Nueva Ecija through Act No. 139. Provincial government provided an option to move capital from the town of
San Isidro.[71]
July 17 –
Batangas,
Bohol and
Cebu placed under the control of military governors through Act No. 173.[73]
August 15 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act and its amendments extended to
La Union through Act No. 203.[74]
August 16 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act and its amendments extended to
Ilocos Sur through Act No. 205.[75]
August 19 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act and its amendments extended to
Abra, excluding its territory east of the crest of the
Cordillera Central, through Act No. 206.[76]
August 20 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act and its amendments extended to
Ilocos Norte through Act No. 207.[77]
August 22 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act and its amendments extended to
Cagayan through Act No. 209. The
Babuyan Islands and the Spanish-era province of
Batanes annexed to the province.[78]
August 24 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act and its amendments extended to
Isabela through Act No. 210.[79]
August 28 – Provisions of the Provincial Government Act and its amendments extended to
Zambales through Act No. 211.[80]
1902
January 1 – Civil government of the Province of
Cebu restored through Act No. 322 enacted on December 20, 1901.[81]
January 28 – Civil government of the Province of
Nueva Vizcaya established through Act No. 337.[82]
April 1 – Civil government of the Province of
Bohol restored through Act No. 365 enacted on March 3, 1902.[83]
May 28 – Spanish-era comandancias of Amburayan,
Bontoc and Lepanto organized into sub-provinces under the new province of
Lepanto-Bontoc through Act No. 410. Areas between
Abra and
Cagayan not yet placed under the jurisdiction of any province annexed as part of the sub-province of
Bontoc.[84]
May 26 – Spanish-era Comandancia of
Kayapa annexed to
Benguet through Act No. 768.[93]
July 15 –
Moro Province formed, composed of the districts of Cotabato, Davao, Lanao, Sulu, and Zamboanga through Act No. 787 enacted on June 1, 1903.[94]
1905
April 1 –
Abra annexed to
Ilocos Sur as sub-province through Act No. 1306 enacted on February 27, 1905.[95]
April 19 –
Catanduanes established as sub-province of
Albay through Act No. 1331.[96]
June 28 – Name of Paragua changed to
Palawan through Act No. 1363.[97]
1906–1907
January 1, 1906 –
Masbate annexed to
Sorsogon as sub-province through Act No. 1413 enacted on November 23, 1905.[98]
July 15 –
Romblon (except the island of
Maestro de Campo, annexed to
Mindoro) annexed to
Capiz as sub-province through Act No. 1665 enacted on July 2, 1907.[100]
August 10 –
Marinduque declared a sub-province of
Tayabas through Act No. 1649 enacted on May 17, 1907.[101]
August 18, 1908 –
Mountain Province, with seven sub-provinces, formed by merging territories of the entire province of Lepanto-Bontoc (with
Amburayan, Bontoc,
Kalinga and Lepanto sub-provinces); the district in the province of
Nueva Vizcaya that formerly the comprised the Spanish-era Comandancia of Quiangan (annexed as
Ifugao sub-province); the entire province of
Benguet except
Baguio (annexed as Benguet sub-province); and
Apayao sub-province in
Cagayan, through Act No. 1876.[104]
May 20, 1909 –
Batanes re-established as province, separated from
Cagayan through Act No. 1952.[105]
Lepanto sub-province reduced in size by annexing some of its municipal entities to
Ilocos Sur and
Benguet.[111]
February 22 –
Marinduque re-established as regular province, separated from
Tayabas through Act No. 2880.[112]
December 15 –
Masbate re-established as regular province, separated from
Sorsogon through Act No. 2934.[113]
1923–1939
March 27, 1923 –
Leyte divided into Occidental Leyte and Oriental Leyte through Act No. 3117, but never proclaimed by the governor-general.[114]
November 28, 1930 – Division of
Misamis into
Misamis Occidental and
Misamis Oriental implemented by virtue of Act No. 3777,[115] the law that amended Act No. 3537 (enacted on November 2, 1929), which first sought the division.[116]
June 8, 1940 – Provincial government of
Romblon abolished, municipal governments reorganized into four "special municipalities" through Commonwealth Act No. 581.[117]
August 31 – Executive Order No. 84 issued by
Jorge Vargas abolishes the province of
Batanes and annexes its municipalities to
Cagayan; annexes the municipalities of
Baler and
Casiguran (corresponding to the entire present-day territory of
Aurora) from
Tayabas to
Nueva Ecija; annexes the municipality of
Infanta (including the present-day municipalities of
General Nakar and
Real) from
Tayabas to
Laguna; abolishes the province of
Marinduque and annexes its municipalities to
Tayabas; and abolishes the province of
Romblon and annexes its special municipalities to
Capiz.[a][121]
August 1, 1945 – Executive Order No. 58 issued by
Sergio Osmeña reduces the territory of the City of Greater Manila to only
Manila and
Quezon City, restoring
Caloocan,
Makati,
Mandaluyong,
Parañaque,
Pasay and
San Juan to
Rizal. Republic Act No. 54 of October 10, 1946, later repealed Executive Order No. 400 (series 1942) and Executive Order No. 58 (series 1945), finally abolishing the City of Greater Manila and restoring the pre-war status of the chartered cities of Manila and Quezon City.[123]
October 26, 1945 –
Catanduanes established as regular province, separated from
Albay through Commonwealth Act No. 687 enacted on September 26, 1945.[124]
September 7, 1946 – Name of Tayabas changed to
Quezon through Republic Act No. 14.[125]
October 1, 1946 – CA 581 repealed and
Romblon's provincial and municipal governments restored through Republic Act No. 38.[126]
November 14, 1967 – Plebiscite approves the division of
Agusan into
Agusan del Norte and
Agusan del Sur by virtue of Republic Act No. 4979 enacted on June 17, 1967.[144]
June 21, 1969 – Name of Western Samar province changed to
Samar through Republic Act No. 5650.[145]
August 4, 1969 –
Samal sub-province created from
Davao del Norte through Republic Act No. 5999, but never inaugurated.[146]
1971–1998
October 4, 1971 – Maranaw province created from
Lanao del Sur through Republic Act No. 6406, remained unorganized due to the disruption caused by the declaration of
Martial Law in the Philippines.
November 11, 1971 – Plebiscites approve the establishment of
Quirino and
Siquijor as regular provinces by virtue of Republic Act No. 6394 (approved on September 10, 1971) and Republic Act No. 6398 (approved on September 17, 1971), separating them from
Nueva Vizcaya and
Negros Oriental, respectively.
June 17, 1972 – Name of
Davao del Norte changed to Davao through Republic Act No. 6430.
September 11, 1973 –
Tawi-Tawi separated from
Sulu through Presidential Decree No. 302.
December 27, 1973 –
Basilan province created through Presidential Decree No. 356 out of most of the territory of the City of Basilan, which itself was delimited to only the downtown area of what is now
Isabela City, then finally abolished by Presidential Decree No. 840 in 1975.
November 7, 1975 –
Metro Manila established through Presidential Decree No. 824, composed of the four chartered cities of
Manila,
Caloocan,
Pasay and
Quezon City, and several municipalities of
Rizal and
Bulacan, all of which effectively became independent from provincial supervision.
August 13, 1979 –
Aurora proclaimed a regular province, separated from
Quezon through Batas Pambansa Blg. 7 enacted on November 21, 1978. Plebiscite held on May 20, 1979, approves provincehood.
March 7, 1984 – Name of North Cotabato province changed to
Cotabato through Batas Pambansa Blg. 660.
January 3, 1986 – Plebiscite approves the separation of
Negros del Norte from
Negros Occidental by virtue of Batas Pambansa Blg. 885 enacted on December 3, 1985.
May 11, 1992 – Plebiscites affirm the establishment of
Biliran and
Guimaras as regular provinces, separating them from
Leyte and
Iloilo, respectively, by virtue of Section 462 of Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code of 1991) approved on October 10, 1991.
November 28, 1992 – Plebiscite approves the separation of
Sarangani from
South Cotabato by virtue of Republic Act No. 7228 approved on March 16, 1992.
May 8, 1995 – Plebiscite approves the division of
Kalinga-Apayao into
Apayao and
Kalinga by virtue of Republic Act No. 7878 approved on February 14, 1995.
March 7, 1998 – Plebiscite approves the separation of
Compostela Valley from
Davao by virtue of Republic Act No. 8470 approved on January 30, 1998. Name of Davao changed back to Davao del Norte.
2001–present
February 22, 2001 – Plebiscite approves the separation of
Zamboanga Sibugay from
Zamboanga del Sur by virtue of Republic Act No. 8973 approved on November 7, 2000.
October 28, 2006 –
Plebiscite approves the separation of
Shariff Kabunsuan from
Maguindanao by virtue of Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act No. 201 enacted on August 28, 2006.
December 2, 2006 – Plebiscite approves the separation of
Dinagat Islands from
Surigao del Norte by virtue of Republic Act No. 9355 approved on October 2, 2006.
February 11, 2010 – RA No. 9355 found unconstitutional by the Supreme Court,
Dinagat Islands reverts as part of
Surigao del Norte.
March 30, 2011 – Supreme Court reverses its decision on
Dinagat Islands and became a province once again.
October 28, 2013 – Plebiscite approves the separation of
Davao Occidental from
Davao del Sur by virtue of Republic Act No. 10360 approved on January 21, 2013.
December 8, 2019 – Name of Compostela Valley changed to
Davao de Oro through Republic Act 11297 approved on April 17, 2019.
This section only lists the proposals that reached the stage where a legislation was enacted for the purpose of establishing a province or a sub-province but never achieved, or yet to achieve, corporate existence.
Occidental Leyte and Oriental Leyte (1923) –
Leyte was divided into two new provinces by Act No. 3117 on March 27, 1923.[148] The division never took place, however, as no proclamation was issued by the
Governor-General.
The province of Oriental Leyte would have covered the present-day territories of the entire province of Biliran, the municipalities of Abuyog, Alangalang, Babatngon, Barugo, Burauen, Calubian, Capoocan, Carigara, Dagami, Dulag, Jaro, Javier, Julita, La Paz, Leyte, MacArthur, Mahaplag, Mayorga, Palo, Pastrana, San Isidro, San Miguel, Santa Fe, Tabango, Tabontabon, Tanauan, Tolosa, Tunga and Tacloban (which was designated as the provincial capital).
The province of Occidental Leyte would have covered the present-day territories of the entire province of Southern Leyte, the municipalities of Albuera, Bato, Hilongos, Hindang, Inopacan, Isabel, Kananga, Matag-ob, Matalom, Mérida, Palompon, Villaba and the cities of Baybay and Ormoc. The province capital of Occidental Leyte "SEC. 2. ... shall be designated by the Governor-General, until determined by a plurality vote of the electors of the new province at the next general election."
Samal (1969) – The sub-province of Samal was created by Republic Act No. 5999[149] and covered the area of the present-day
Island Garden City of Samal. However, the sub-province was never inaugurated.
Maranaw (1971) – Republic Act No. 6406,[150] which sought to create a new province out of eastern
Lanao del Sur (now corresponding to the province's
first congressional district), was approved on October 4, 1971. The province was to consist of the municipalities of
Bubong,
Ditsaan-Ramain (including what is now
Buadiposo-Buntong),
Kapai,
Lumba-Bayabao (including what is now
Maguing),
Marantao,
Masiu,
Mulondo,
Saguiaran,
Piagapo,
Poona Bayabao,
Tamparan,
Taraka and
Wao (including what is now
Bumbaran), with the chartered city of
Marawi serving as the new province's capital. Lanao del Sur was to retain the remaining municipalities, with
Malabang serving as its new capital. Section 4 of RA 6406 provided that "The new provinces as provided in this Act shall come into existence upon the election and qualification of their first elective provincial officials, who shall be elected in a special election simultaneously with the general elections of November, nineteen hundred and seventy-three." The division never took place due to the
declaration of
martial law in the Philippines on September 21, 1972, which disrupted the scheduled general elections for 1973 and paved the way for the adoption of a new
Constitution and the establishment of the
Fourth Philippine Republic. A legacy of this unimplemented division is the existence of two
ZIP code series for Lanao del Sur: the 93- series was retained by what were to be the remaining towns of the province (with Malabang, the new capital, being reassigned the code 9300), while a new series (97-) was assigned to what was supposed to be the province of Maranaw (with Marawi getting the new code 9700).
Rejected in a plebiscite
Isabela del Norte and Isabela del Sur (1995) – On February 20, 1995, Republic Act No. 7891,[151] which sought to divide the province of
Isabela, was approved. Isabela del Norte was to comprise municipalities belonging to the province's
first and
second congressional districts with
Ilagan serving as capital. Isabela del Sur was to consist of the
third and
fourth congressional districts (excluding the independent component city of
Santiago), with
Cauayan as the capital. The proposed division was rejected in a plebiscite held on June 20, 1995.
Quezon del Norte and Quezon del Sur (2007) – The act dividing the province of
Quezon into two, Republic Act No. 9495,[152] lapsed into law without
the President's signature on September 7, 2007. Quezon del Norte (which would be renamed from Quezon) was to be composed of the
first and
second congressional districts of the province, with
Lucena as its capital. Quezon del Sur, with its capital at
Gumaca, would have been composed of the
third and
fourth congressional districts. The COMELEC held the
plebiscite on December 13, 2008, and the majority of the votes rejected the division. Notwithstanding the voters' rejection, all the representatives of Quezon's four legislative districts—Wilfrido Mark Enverga, Irvin Alcala,
Danilo Suarez, and
Lorenzo Tañada III—reintroduced the measure as House Bill No. 3839 on December 8, 2010. They explained that “the wisdom, logic and bare facts behind what is driving this bill to be filed again in this Congress remain,” citing the persistence of poverty in far-flung coastal municipalities and small islands. Yet, the bill did not make it out of the committee level this time.[153][154]
Palawan del Norte, Palawan Oriental, and Palawan del Sur (2021) – On April 5, 2019, President
Rodrigo Duterte signed Republic Act No. 11259 that proposed the division the province of Palawan, with the exception of the independent city of
Puerto Princesa, into three separate provinces. A
plebiscite was originally scheduled for the second Monday of May 2020[155] but was postponed to March 2021 due to the
COVID-19 pandemic.[156] Palawan del Norte would have been composed of
Taytay and municipalities north of it. Palawan del Sur would have been composed of the municipalities west and south of Puerto Princesa, including
Kalayaan (which administers the country's claims in the
Spratly Islands), while the rest were proposed to form Palawan Oriental. The proposed provincial capitals would be
Taytay (Palawan del Norte),
Brooke's Point (Palawan del Sur), and
Roxas (Palawan Oriental).[157] The COMELEC held the plebiscite on March 13, 2021, and the majority of the votes rejected the division.
Currently proposed provinces in the 19th Congress
Surigao Oriental (1992, 2015, 2022): House Bill No. 2336 seeks to carve a province out of the six southernmost local government units of
Surigao del Sur province. The
City of Bislig and the municipalities of
Barobo,
Hinatuan,
Lingig, and
Tagbina all comprise the district of the bill's author, Surigao del Sur
2nd District Representative
Johnny T. Pimentel; the bill also seeks to transfer
Lianga, currently part of the First District, to the proposed province. Bislig would be the designated capital. The bill is pending with the Committee on Local Government since August 2, 2022.[158] A previous attempt to create the province of Surigao del Oriente, which would have covered the 2nd District municipalities but would have excluded Lianga, died in the committee level during the 16th Congress.[159][160] The proposal to create a province called Surigao Oriental was raised as early as 1992 by then-2nd District Representative Ernesto T. Estrella.[161]
Zamboanga Occidental (2002, 2007, 2010, 2017, 2023) – On September 25, 2023,
Zamboanga del Norte 3rd District Representative Adrian Michael A. Amatong filed House Bill No. 9311 seeking to create a new province out of his constituency. The proposed province would consist of the 12 westernmost municipalities of Zamboanga del Norte—
Liloy as the proposed capital, together with
Baliguian,
Godod,
Gutalac,
Kalawit,
Leon B. Postigo,
Salug,
Sibuco,
Siocon,
Sirawai, and
Tampilisan.[162] Previous attempts to turn the district into the province of Zamboanga Occidental, the province of Liloy, or the province of Zamboanga Hermosa—which began with the efforts of then-2nd District Representative Ernesto T. Estrella as early as 1992—failed to hurdle the 12th, the 14th, the 15th and the 17th Congress.[163][164][165][166][167][168]
Other proposed provinces
Mindoro del Sur (1998): During the 11th Congress,
Oriental Mindoro 1st District Rep. Renato Leviste filed House Bill No. 1476 proposing to turn the adjoining
2nd District into its own province called Mindoro del Sur. The proposed province would have consisted of the seven municipalities forming the southern half of
Oriental Mindoro:
Bansud,
Bongabong,
Bulalacao,
Gloria,
Mansalay,
Pinamalayan, and
Roxas. However, the measure did not take off.[169] The Sangguniang Panlalawigan in 2002 passed a resolution urging the province's two representatives, Charity Leviste and Alfonso Umali, Jr., to refile the bill in the 12th Congress, but to no avail.[170]
Panguil Bay (1999): During the 11th Congress,
Lanao del Norte 1st District Rep. Alipio Cirilo Badelles filed House Bill No. 8049 to carve the province of Panguil Bay out of
Lanao del Norte. The bill died in the committee level.[171]
Bukidnon del Sur (2004): In November 2004, during the 13th Congress,
Bukidnon 3rd District Rep.
Juan Miguel F. Zubiri filed a bill seeking to carve the new province of Bukidnon del Sur out of the province of
Bukidnon. [172] The proposed province would have been composed of 10 southwestern and southern municipalities:
Damulog,
Dangcagan,
Don Carlos,
Kadingilan,
Kalilangan,
Kibawe,
Kitaotao,
Maramag,
Pangantucan, and
Quezon. The capital would have been determined by way of plebiscite had the bill passed into law.[173] House Bill No. 4834 was unanimously approved on third reading by the House of Representatives on November 21, 2005, but it never moved past the committee level at the Senate. [174]
Cebu del Norte, Cebu del Sur, and Occidental Cebu (2005): During the 13th Congress, the province of
Cebu grappled with the so-called Sugbuak controversy. Three bills were filed in January and February 2005 by
2nd District Rep. Simeon L. Kintanar,
3rd District Rep. Antonio P. Yapha, Jr., and
4th District Clavel A. Martinez, who sought to turn their respective constituencies into the new provinces of Cebu del Sur, Occidental Cebu, and Cebu del Norte, respectively. [175][176][177] The consolidated substitute bill, House Bill No. 5721, was approved by the Committee on Local Government but was not acted upon by the Committee on Rules by the end of the 13th Congress amid strong opposition. [178]
Misamis North and Misamis South (2005): During the 13th Congress,
Misamis Oriental 2nd District Rep. Augusto H. Baculio introduced two bills seeking to carve the provinces of Misamis North and Misamis South out of the province of
Misamis Oriental. The bills died in the committee level.[179][180]
Western Leyte (2005, 2010): During the 13th and the 15th Congress,
Leyte 5th District Rep. Carmen L. Cari and her son and successor Rep. Jose Carlos L. Cari introduced bills seeking to carve the new province of Western Leyte out of the province of
Leyte. The Caris' constituency consisted of the
City of Baybay and the eight southernmost municipalities of the province. The bills died in the committee level.[181][182] Previously, during the 9th Congress,
Leyte 4th District Rep. Carmelo J. Locsin filed House Bill No. 6388 also to create the province of Western Leyte; his district consists of the City of
Ormoc and the surrounding western municipalities of
Albuera,
Isabel,
Kananga,
Matag-ob,
Merida, and
Palompon.[183]
Northwestern Samar (2008, 2010, 2019) – Most recently during the 17th Congress, House Bill No. 8824 was introduced in the House of Representatives on January 22, 2019, by
1st District Representative
Edgar Mary Sarmiento to turn his constituency into a new province called Northwestern Samar.[184] The proposed province would have consisted of the
City of Calbayog as its capital, along with the nine municipalities of
Almagro,
Gandara,
Matuginao,
Pagsanghan,
San Jorge,
Santa Margarita,
Santo Niño,
Tagapul-an, and
Tarangnan.[185] This proposal has repeatedly died in the committee level during the 14th, 15th and 17th Congress.[186][187][188]
Nueva Camarines (2011) – On May 24, 2011, during the 15th Congress,
Camarines Sur Fourth District Rep.
Arnulfo Fuentebella introduced House Bill 4728, which sought to create a new province out of the
City of Iriga and 16 municipalities comprising the eastern half and the southern portion of Camarines Sur.[189] This would have included all 10 municipalities of Fuentebella's Fourth District (
Caramoan,
Garchitorena,
Goa,
Lagonoy,
Presentacion,
Sagñay,
San Jose,
Siruma,
Tigaon, and
Tinambac) and all six municipalities of the adjacent
Fifth District (
Baao,
Balatan,
Bato,
Buhi,
Bula, and
Nabua). Tigaon would have been the capital of the proposed province.[190] Just three months later, on August 3, 2011, the finalized measure numbered House Bill No. 4820 passed the House of Representatives of the Philippines with 229 votes in favor to one against.[191][192] However, it failed to gain the concurrence of the Senate, which did not take up the controversial bill by the end of 15th Congress, following the opposition of Senators
Joker Arroyo,
Antonio Trillanes IV,
Bongbong Marcos and
Manny Villar.[193] In 2015,
Rappler reported: “It is widely believed here that the Fuentebellas want a new province they can rule because they had failed to win the
governorship of Camarines Sur since former Governor
Luis Villafuerte held the position.”[194]
Proposed renaming
Southern Leyte to Leyte del Sur (2007) –
Southern Leyte Lone District Rep. Roger Mercado introduced bills to rename the province of
Southern Leyte to Leyte del Sur, citing a desire to “enhance the identity of [the province] as geographically a part of the
Leyte Island with a distinct personality of its own” and to have the province alphabetically listed closer to the neighboring province of
Leyte, from which it was separated in 1959.[195] Mercado first filed the bill in 2007,[196] and this attempt gained traction during the 14th Congress, as House Bill No. 6650 was passed by the House of Representatives on September 8, 2009, with 170 votes in its favor and none against it. The Senate, however, did not act on the measure.[197] Mercado's second attempt in 2017 did not prosper, as House Bill No. 1602 died in the committee level during the 17th Congress.[198]
^"List of Provinces". PSGC Interactive. Makati, Philippines: National Statistical Coordination Board. Archived from
the original on April 19, 2016. Retrieved May 14, 2014.
^
abcdefgBecause the provincial government holds office within an
independent city, in effect the province maintains the seat of its government outside its jurisdiction.
^"History of Negros Occidental". Official Website of the Provincial Government of Negros Occidental. Archived from
the original on October 20, 2018. Retrieved January 18, 2019.
^"History of Romblon". United Romblon Ministerial Fellowship. February 20, 2014. Retrieved January 1, 2016.
^Province of Sulu:
Brief ProfileArchived February 26, 2011, at the
Wayback Machine (There seems to be major discrepancies among authoritative sources: 343,699 ha (NSCB 2007), 175,460 ha (NSCB 2000), 167,377 ha (NAMRIA))
^Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, Department of Agriculture:
Tawi-TawiArchived September 6, 2012, at the
Wayback Machine (There seems to be major discrepancies among authoritative sources: 362,655 ha (NSCB 2007), 120,876 ha (NAMRIA), 1,197 km² (Department of Tourism), 999 km² (Mapcentral))
^SEC. 2. Subprovinces abolished.—The subprovinces and their governments are hereby abolished and their territories annexed to the provinces to which they belong."[119]
^"Pursuant to the authority conferred upon me as Head of the Central Administrative Organization by Order No. 1 in connection with Order No. 3 of the Commander in Chief of the Imperial Japanese Forces in the Philippines and upon the recommendation of the Executive Commission it is hereby ordered that—
The Province of Batanes is abolished and the comprising the same as well as the territory thereof shall be annexed to the Province Cagayan.
The municipalities of Baler and Casiguran, Province of Tayabas, and the territories thereof are segregated from said province and shall be annexed to the Province of Nueva Ecija.
The municipality of Infanta, Province of Tayabas, and the territory thereof are segregated from province and shall be annexed to the Province of Laguna.
The Province of Marinduque is abolished and municipalities comprising the same as well as territory thereof shall be annexed to the Province of Tayabas.
The Province of Romblon is abolished and the municipalities comprising the same as well the territory thereof shall be annexed to the of Capiz."[119]
^"Pursuant to the authority conferred upon me by Order No. 1 in connection with Order No. 3 of the Commander in Chief of the Imperial Japanese Forces in the Philippines and upon the recommendation of the Executive Commission it is hereby ordered that—
The Polillo islands are segregated from the Province of Tayabas and shall be annexed to the Province of Laguna."[119]
^"Philippines-Archipelago, Region VIII (Eastern Visayas)". Specific information on the division of Leyte provided by David A. Short, webmaster of Philippines-Archipelago, which was updated accordingly after indirectly obtaining a copy of the text of Act No. 3117 from the Legislative Library, House of Representatives. Retrieved May 17, 2008. {{
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