EN BANC ROGELIO Z. BAGABUYO, Petitioner, Present& PUNO, C.'.

, (UISUMBING, )*YNARES-SANTIAGO, CARPIO, AUSTRIA-MARTINEZ, CORONA, CARPIO MORALES, AZCUNA, TINGA, C+ICO-NAZARIO, ,ELASCO, 'R., NAC+URA, REYES, LEONAR-O--E CASTRO, .n BRION, ''. Pro/u01.te & COMMISSION ON ELECTIONS, Respon ent. -e2e/3er 4, 5%%4 G.R. No. !"#$"%

versus

6----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------6 -ECISION BRION, '.& Be7ore us is t8e petition 7or 2ertior.ri, pro8i3ition, .n /.n ./us,9!:* ;it8 . pr.<er 7or t8e issu.n2e o7 . te/por.r< restr.inin1 or er .n . ;rit o7 pre0i/in.r< in=un2tion, 7i0e 3< Ro1e0io B.1.3u<o >petitioner? to prevent t8e Co//ission on E0e2tions >COMELEC? 7ro/ i/p0e/entin1 Reso0ution No. "4@" on t8e 1roun t8.t Repu30i2 A2t No. $@"!95:* A t8e 0.; t8.t Reso0ution No. "4@" i/p0e/ents A is un2onstitution.0. BACBGROUN- CACTS

On O2to3er !%, 5%%#, C.1.<.n e OroDs t8en Con1ress/.n Const.ntino G. '.r.u0. 7i0e .n sponsore +ouse Bi00 No. E4E$& FAn A2t Provi in1 7or t8e Apportion/ent o7 t8e Lone Le1is0.tive -istri2t o7 t8e Cit< o7 C.1.<.n -e Oro.G9@:* T8is 0.; eventu.00< 3e2./e Repu30i2 A2t >R.A.? No. $@"!.9H:* It in2re.se C.1.<.n e OroDs 0e1is0.tive istri2t 7ro/ one to t;o. Cor t8e e0e2tion o7 M.< 5%%", C.1.<.n e OroDs voters ;ou0 3e 20.ssi7ie .s 3e0on1in1 to eit8er t8e 7irst or t8e se2on istri2t, epen in1 on t8eir p0.2e o7 resi en2e. T8e 2onstituents o7 e.28 istri2t ;ou0 e0e2t t8eir o;n represent.tive to Con1ress .s ;e00 .s ei18t /e/3ers o7 t8e S.n11uni.n1 P.n10un1so . Se2tion ! o7 R.A. No. $@"! .pportione t8e Cit<Ds 3.r.n1.<s .s 7o00o;s& Le1is0.tive -istri2ts A T8e 0one 0e1is0.tive istri2t o7 t8e Cit< o7 C.1.<.n -e Oro is 8ere3< .pportione to 2o//en2e in t8e ne6t n.tion.0 e0e2tions .7ter t8e e77e2tivit< o7 t8is A2t. +en2e7ort8, 3.r.n1.<s Bon3on, B.<.3.s, B.us;.1.n, C.r/en, P.t.1, Bu0u., Ipon.n, B.iIin1on, S.n Si/on, P.1.tp.t, C.nito.n, B.0u0.n1, Lu/3i., P.1.0un1.n, T.1p.n1i, T.10i/.o, Tu3ur.n, Pi1s.1-.n, Tu/p.1on, B.<.n1., M./3u.<., -.nsu0i8on, Ti1n.po0o.n .n Bisi1.n s8.00 2o/prise t8e 7irst istri2t ;8i0e 3.r.n1.<s M.2.3.0.n, Punto , Conso0.2ion, C././.n-.n, N.J.ret8, M.2.s.n i1, In .8.1, L.p.s.n, Gus., Cu1/.n, CS C.t.ni2o, T.30on, A1us.n, Puerto, Bu1o, .n B.0u3.0 .n .00 ur3.n 3.r.n1.<s 7ro/ B.r.n1.< ! to B.r.n1.< H% s8.00 2o/prise t8e se2on istri2t.9E:* On M.r28 !@, 5%%", t8e COMELEC en B.n2 pro/u01.te Reso0ution No. "4@"9#:* i/p0e/entin1 R.A. No. $@"!. Petitioner Ro1e0io B.1.3u<o 7i0e t8e present petition .1.inst t8e COMELEC on M.r28 5", 5%%".9":* On !% Apri0 5%%4, t8e petitioner ./en e t8e petition to in20u e t8e 7o00o;in1 .s respon ents& E6e2utive Se2ret.r< E u.r o Er/it.K t8e Se2ret.r< o7 t8e -ep.rt/ent o7 Bu 1et .n M.n.1e/entK t8e C8.ir/.n o7 t8e Co//ission on Au itK t8e M.<or .n t8e /e/3ers o7 t8e S.n11uni.n1 P.n10un1so o7 C.1.<.n e Oro Cit<K .n its Bo.r o7 C.nv.ssers.94:* In .sIin1 7or t8e nu00i7i2.tion o7 R.A. No. $@"! .n Reso0ution No. "4@" on 2onstitution.0 1roun s, t8e petitioner .r1ue t8.t t8e COMELEC 2.nnot i/p0e/ent R.A. No. $@"! ;it8out provi in1 7or t8e ru0es, re1u0.tions .n 1ui e0ines 7or t8e 2on u2t o7 . p0e3is2ite ;8i28 is in ispens.30e 7or t8e ivision or 2onversion o7 . 0o2.0 1overn/ent unit. +e pr.<e 7or t8e issu.n2e o7 .n or er ire2tin1 t8e respon ents to 2e.se .n esist 7ro/ i/p0e/entin1 R.A. No. $@"! .n COMELEC Reso0ution No. "4@", .n to revert inste. to COMELEC Reso0ution No. "4%! ;8i28 provi e 7or . sin10e 0e1is0.tive istri2t 7or C.1.<.n e Oro. Sin2e t8e Court i not 1r.nt t8e petitionerDs pr.<er 7or . te/por.r< restr.inin1 or er or ;rit o7 pre0i/in.r< in=un2tion, t8e M.< !H N.tion.0 .n Lo2.0 E0e2tions pro2ee e .22or in1 to R.A. No. $@"! .n Reso0ution No. "4@".

T8e respon entDs Co//ent on t8e petition, 7i0e t8rou18 t8e O77i2e o7 t8e So0i2itor Gener.0, .r1ue t8.t& !? t8e petitioner i not respe2t t8e 8ier.r28< o7 2ourts, .s t8e Re1ion.0 Tri.0 Court >RTC? is veste ;it8 2on2urrent =uris i2tion over 2.ses .ss.i0in1 t8e 2onstitution.0it< o7 . st.tuteK 5? R.A. No. $@"! /ere0< in2re.se t8e represent.tion o7 C.1.<.n e Oro Cit< in t8e +ouse o7 Represent.tives .n S.n11uni.n1 P.n10un1so pursu.nt to Se2tion E, Arti20e ,I o7 t8e !$4" ConstitutionK @? t8e 2riteri. est.30is8e un er Se2tion !%, Arti20e L o7 t8e !$4" Constitution on0< .pp0< ;8en t8ere is . 2re.tion, ivision, /er1er, .3o0ition or su3st.nti.0 .0ter.tion o7 3oun .ries o7 . provin2e, 2it<, /uni2ip.0it<, or 3.r.n1.<K in t8is 2.se, no su28 2re.tion, ivision, /er1er, .3o0ition or .0ter.tion o7 3oun .ries o7 . 0o2.0 1overn/ent unit tooI p0.2eK .n H? R.A. No. $@"! i not 3rin1 .3out .n< 28.n1e in C.1.<.n e OroDs territor<, popu0.tion .n in2o/e 20.ssi7i2.tionK 8en2e, no p0e3is2ite is reMuire . T8e petitioner .r1ue in 8is rep0< t8.t& !? pursu.nt to t8e CourtDs ru0in1 in -e0 M.r v. PAGCOR,9$:* t8e Court /.< t.Ie 2o1niJ.n2e o7 t8is petition i7 2o/pe00in1 re.sons, or t8e n.ture .n i/port.n2e o7 t8e issues r.ise , ;.rr.nt t8e i//e i.te e6er2ise o7 its =uris i2tionK 5? C.1.<.n e Oro Cit<Ds re.pportion/ent un er R.A. No. $@"! 7.00s ;it8in t8e /e.nin1 o7 2re.tion, ivision, /er1er, .3o0ition or su3st.nti.0 .0ter.tion o7 3oun .ries o7 2ities un er Se2tion !%, Arti20e L o7 t8e ConstitutionK @? t8e 2re.tion, ivision, /er1er, .3o0ition or su3st.nti.0 .0ter.tion o7 3oun .ries o7 0o2.0 1overn/ent units invo0ve . 2o//on eno/in.tor A t8e /.teri.0 28.n1e in t8e po0iti2.0 .n e2ono/i2 ri18ts o7 t8e 0o2.0 1overn/ent units ire2t0< .77e2te , .s ;e00 .s o7 t8e peop0e t8ereinK H? . voterDs soverei1n po;er to e2i e on ;8o s8ou0 3e e0e2te .s t8e entire 2it<Ds Con1ress/.n ;.s .r3itr.ri0< re u2e 3< .t 0e.st one 8.07 3e2.use t8e Muestione 0.; .n reso0ution on0< .00o;e 8i/ to vote .n 3e vote 7or in t8e istri2t esi1n.te 3< t8e COMELECK E? . voter ;.s .0so .r3itr.ri0< enie 8is ri18t to e0e2t t8e Con1ress/.n .n t8e /e/3ers o7 t8e 2it< 2oun2i0 7or t8e ot8er 0e1is0.tive istri2t, .n #? 1overn/ent 7un s ;ere i00e1.00< is3urse ;it8out prior .pprov.0 3< t8e soverei1n e0e2tor.te o7 C.1.<.n -e Oro Cit<. 9!%:* T+E ISSUES T8e 2ore issues, 3.se on t8e petition .n t8e p.rtiesD /e/or.n ., 2.n 3e 0i/ite to t8e 7o00o;in1 2ontentious points& !? 5? -i t8e petitioner vio0.te t8e 8ier.r28< o7 2ourts ru0eK i7 so, s8ou0 t8e inst.nt petition 3e is/isse on t8is 1roun N -oes R.A. No. $@"! /ere0< provi e 7or t8e 0e1is0.tive re.pportion/ent o7 C.1.<.n e Oro Cit<, or oes it invo0ve t8e ivision .n 2onversion o7 . 0o2.0 1overn/ent unitN -oes R.A. No. $@"! vio0.te t8e eMu.0it< o7 represent.tion o2trineN

@?

OUR RULING E62ept 7or t8e issue o7 t8e 8ier.r28< o7 2ourts ru0e, ;e 7in t8e petition tot.00< ;it8out /erit. T8e 8ier.r28< o7 2ourts prin2ip0e. T8e Supre/e Court 8.s ori1in.0 =uris i2tion over petitions 7or 2ertior.ri, pro8i3ition, /.n ./us, Muo ;.rr.nto, .n 8.3e.s 2orpus.9!!:* It ;.s pursu.nt to t8is ori1in.0 =uris i2tion t8.t t8e petitioner 7i0e t8e present petition. O8i0e t8is =uris i2tion is s8.re ;it8 t8e Court o7 Appe.0s9!5:* .n t8e RTCs, 9!@:* . ire2t invo2.tion o7 t8e Supre/e CourtDs =uris i2tion is .00o;e on0< ;8en t8ere .re spe2i.0 .n i/port.nt re.sons t8ere7or, 20e.r0< .n espe2i.00< set out in t8e petition. Re.sons o7 pr.2ti2.0it<, i2t.te 3< .n in2re.sin10< over2ro; e o2Iet .n t8e nee to prioritiJe in 7.vor o7 /.tters ;it8in our e620usive =uris i2tion, =usti7< t8e e6isten2e o7 t8is ru0e ot8er;ise Ino;n .s t8e Fprin2ip0e o7 8ier.r28< o7 2ourts.G More 1ener.00< st.te , t8e prin2ip0e reMuires t8.t re2ourse /ust 7irst 3e /. e to t8e 0o;er-r.nIe 2ourt e6er2isin1 2on2urrent =uris i2tion ;it8 . 8i18er 2ourt.9!H:* A/on1 t8e 2.ses ;e 8.ve 2onsi ere su77i2ient0< spe2i.0 .n i/port.nt to 3e e62eptions to t8e ru0e, .re petitions 7or 2ertior.ri, pro8i3ition, /.n ./us .n Muo ;.rr.nto.1.inst our n.tionDs 0.;/.Iers ;8en t8e v.0i it< o7 t8eir en.2t/ents is .ss.i0e . 9!E:* T8e present petition is o7 t8is n.tureK its su3=e2t /.tter .n t8e n.ture o7 t8e issues r.ise A ./on1 t8e/, ;8et8er 0e1is0.tive re.pportion/ent invo0ves . ivision o7 C.1.<.n e Oro Cit< .s . 0o2.0 1overn/ent unit A .re re.sons enou18 7or 2onsi erin1 it .n e62eption to t8e prin2ip0e o7 8ier.r28< o7 2ourts. A ition.00<, t8e petition .ss.i0s .s ;e00 . reso0ution o7 t8e COMELEC en 3.n2 issue to i/p0e/ent t8e 0e1is0.tive .pportion/ent t8.t R.A. No. $@"! e2rees. As .n .2tion .1.inst . COMELEC en 3.n2 reso0ution, t8e 2.se 7.00s un er Ru0e #H o7 t8e Ru0es o7 Court t8.t in turn reMuires . revie; 3< t8is Court vi. . Ru0e #E petition 7or 2ertior.ri.9!#:* Cor t8ese re.sons, ;e o not see t8e prin2ip0e o7 8ier.r28< o7 2ourts to 3e . stu/30in1 30o2I in our 2onsi er.tion o7 t8e present 2.se. T8e P0e3is2ite ReMuire/ent. T8e petitioner insists t8.t R.A. No. $@"! 2onverts .n ivi es t8e Cit< o7 C.1.<.n e Oro .s . 0o2.0 1overn/ent unit, .n oes not /ere0< provi e 7or t8e Cit<Ds 0e1is0.tive .pportion/ent. T8is .r1u/ent essenti.00< pro2ee s 7ro/ . /isun erst.n in1 o7 t8e 2onstitution.0 2on2epts o7 .pportion/ent o7 0e1is0.tive istri2ts .n ivision o7 0o2.0 1overn/ent units. Le1is0.tive .pportion/ent is e7ine 3< B0.2IDs L.; -i2tion.r< .s t8e eter/in.tion o7 t8e nu/3er o7 represent.tives ;8i28 . St.te, 2ount< or ot8er su3 ivision

/.< sen to . 0e1is0.tive 3o <.9!":* It is t8e .00o2.tion o7 se.ts in . 0e1is0.tive 3o < in proportion to t8e popu0.tionK t8e r.;in1 o7 votin1 istri2t 0ines so .s to eMu.0iJe popu0.tion .n votin1 po;er ./on1 t8e istri2ts.9!4:* Re.pportion/ent, on t8e ot8er 8.n , is t8e re.0i1n/ent or 28.n1e in 0e1is0.tive istri2ts 3rou18t .3out 3< 28.n1es in popu0.tion .n /.n .te 3< t8e 2onstitution.0 reMuire/ent o7 eMu.0it< o7 represent.tion. 9!$:* Arti20e ,I >entit0e Le1is0.tive -ep.rt/ent? o7 t8e !$4" Constitution 0.<s o;n t8e ru0es on 0e1is0.tive .pportion/ent un er its Se2tion E ;8i28 provi es& Se2. E>!?. >!? T8e +ouse o7 Represent.tives s8.00 3e 2o/pose o7 not /ore t8.n t;o 8un re 7i7t< /e/3ers un0ess ot8er;ise 7i6e 3< 0.;, ;8o s8.00 3e e0e2te 7ro/ 0e1is0.tive istri2ts .pportione ./on1 t8e provin2es, 2ities, .n t8e Metropo0it.n M.ni0. .re. in .22or .n2e ;it8 t8e nu/3er o7 t8eir respe2tive in8.3it.nts, .n on t8e 3.sis o7 . uni7or/ .n pro1ressive r.tio, .n t8ose ;8o, .s provi e 3< 0.;, s8.00 3e e0e2te t8rou18 . p.rt<-0ist s<ste/ o7 re1istere n.tion.0, re1ion.0 .n se2tor.0 p.rties or or1.niJ.tions. 666 >@? E.28 0e1is0.tive istri2t s8.00 2o/prise, .s 7.r .s pr.2ti2.30e, 2ontinuous, 2o/p.2t, .n . =.2ent territor<. E.28 2it< ;it8 . popu0.tion o7 .t 0e.st t;o 8un re 7i7t< t8ous.n , or e.28 provin2e, s8.00 8.ve .t 0e.st one represent.tive. >H? Oit8in t8ree <e.rs 7o00o;in1 t8e return o7 ever< 2ensus, t8e Con1ress s8.00 /.Ie . re.pportion/ent o7 0e1is0.tive istri2ts 3.se on t8e st.n .r s provi e in t8is se2tion. Sep.r.te0< 7ro/ t8e 0e1is0.tive istri2ts t8.t 0e1.0 .pportion/ent or re.pportion/ent spe.Is o7, .re t8e 0o2.0 1overn/ent units >8istori2.00< .n 1eneri2.00< re7erre to .s F/uni2ip.0 2orpor.tionsG? t8.t t8e Constitution itse07 20.ssi7ie into provin2es, 2ities, /uni2ip.0ities .n 3.r.n1.<s.95%:* In its stri2t .n proper sense, . /uni2ip.0it< 8.s 3een e7ine .s F. 3o < po0iti2 .n 2orpor.te 2onstitute 3< t8e in2orpor.tion o7 t8e in8.3it.nts o7 . 2it< or to;n 7or t8e purpose o7 0o2.0 1overn/ent t8ereo7.G95!:* T8e 2re.tion, ivision, /er1er, .3o0ition or .0ter.tion o7 3oun .r< o7 0o2.0 1overn/ent units, i.e., o7 provin2es, 2ities, /uni2ip.0ities, .n 3.r.n1.<s, .re 2overe 3< t8e Arti20e on Lo2.0 Govern/ent >Arti20e L?. Se2tion !% o7 t8is Arti20e provi es& No provin2e, 2it<, /uni2ip.0it<, or 3.r.n1.< /.< 3e 2re.te , ivi e , /er1e , .3o0is8e , or its 3oun .r< su3st.nti.00< .0tere , e62ept in .22or .n2e ;it8 t8e 2riteri. est.30is8e in t8e 0o2.0 1overn/ent 2o e .n su3=e2t to .pprov.0 3< . /.=orit< o7 t8e votes 2.st in . p0e3is2ite in t8e po0iti2.0 unit ire2t0< .77e2te .

Un er 3ot8 Arti20e ,I, Se2tion E, .n Arti20e L, Se2tion !% o7 t8e Constitution, t8e .ut8orit< to .2t 8.s 3een veste in t8e Le1is0.ture. T8e Le1is0.ture un ert.Ies t8e .pportion/ent .n re.pportion/ent o7 0e1is0.tive istri2ts,955:* .n 0iIe;ise .2ts on 0o2.0 1overn/ent units 3< settin1 t8e st.n .r s 7or t8eir 2re.tion, ivision, /er1er, .3o0ition .n .0ter.tion o7 3oun .ries .n 3< .2tu.00< 2re.tin1, ivi in1, /er1in1, .3o0is8in1 0o2.0 1overn/ent units .n .0terin1 t8eir 3oun .ries t8rou18 0e1is0.tion. Ot8er t8.n t8is, not /u28 2o//on.0it< e6ists 3et;een t8e t;o provisions sin2e t8e< .re in8erent0< i77erent .0t8ou18 t8e< inter7.2e .n re0.te ;it8 one .not8er. T8e 2on2ern t8.t 0e.ps 7ro/ t8e te6t o7 Arti20e ,I, Se2tion E is po0iti2.0 represent.tion .n t8e /e.ns to /.Ie . 0e1is0.tive istri2t su77i2ient0< represente so t8.t t8e peop0e 2.n 3e e77e2tive0< 8e.r . As .3ove st.te , t8e .i/ o7 0e1is0.tive .pportion/ent is Fto eMu.0iJe popu0.tion .n votin1 po;er ./on1 istri2ts.G95@:* +en2e, e/p8.sis is 1iven to t8e nu/3er o7 peop0e represente K t8e uni7or/ .n pro1ressive r.tio to 3e o3serve ./on1 t8e represent.tive istri2tsK .n .22essi3i0it< .n 2o//on.0it< o7 interests in ter/s o7 e.28 istri2t 3ein1, .s 7.r .s pr.2ti2.30e, 2ontinuous, 2o/p.2t .n . =.2ent territor<. In ter/s o7 t8e peop0e represente , ever< 2it< ;it8 .t 0e.st 5E%,%%% peop0e .n ever< provin2e >irrespe2tive o7 popu0.tion? is entit0e to one represent.tive. In t8is sense, 0e1is0.tive istri2ts, on t8e one 8.n , .n provin2es .n 2ities, on t8e ot8er, re0.te .n inter7.2e ;it8 e.28 ot8er. To ensure 2ontinue . 8eren2e to t8e reMuire st.n .r s o7 .pportion/ent, Se2tion E>H? spe2i7i2.00< /.n .tes re.pportion/ent .s soon .s t8e 1iven st.n .r s .re /et. In 2ontr.st ;it8 t8e eMu.0 represent.tion o3=e2tive o7 Arti20e ,I, Se2tion E, Arti20e L, Se2tion !% e6press0< spe.Is o7 8o; 0o2.0 1overn/ent units /.< 3e F2re.te , ivi e , /er1e , .3o0is8e , or its 3oun .r< su3st.nti.00< .0tere .G Its 2on2ern is t8e 2o//en2e/ent, t8e ter/in.tion, .n t8e /o i7i2.tion o7 0o2.0 1overn/ent unitsD 2orpor.te e6isten2e .n territori.0 2over.1eK .n it spe.Is o7 t;o spe2i7i2 st.n .r s t8.t /ust 3e o3serve in i/p0e/entin1 t8is 2on2ern, n./e0<, t8e 2riteri. est.30is8e in t8e 0o2.0 1overn/ent 2o e .n t8e .pprov.0 3< . /.=orit< o7 t8e votes 2.st in . p0e3is2ite in t8e po0iti2.0 units ire2t0< .77e2te . Un er t8e Lo2.0 Govern/ent Co e >R.A. No. "!#%? p.sse in !$$!, t8e 2riteri. o7 in2o/e, popu0.tion .n 0.n .re. .re spe2i7ie .s veri7i.30e in i2.tors o7 vi.3i0it< .n 2.p.2it< to provi e servi2es.95H:* T8e ivision or /er1er o7 e6istin1 units /ust 2o/p0< ;it8 t8e s./e reMuire/ents >sin2e . ne; 0o2.0 1overn/ent unit ;i00 2o/e into 3ein1?, provi e t8.t . ivision s8.00 not re u2e t8e in2o/e, popu0.tion, or 0.n .re. o7 t8e unit .77e2te to 0ess t8.n t8e /ini/u/ reMuire/ent pres2ri3e in t8e Co e.95E:* A pronoun2e istin2tion 3et;een Arti20e ,I, Se2tion E .n , Arti20e L, Se2tion !% is on t8e reMuire/ent o7 . p0e3is2ite. T8e Constitution .n t8e Lo2.0 Govern/ent Co e e6press0< reMuire . p0e3is2ite to 2.rr< out .n< 2re.tion, ivision, /er1er, .3o0ition or .0ter.tion o7 3oun .r< o7 . 0o2.0

1overn/ent unit.95#:* In 2ontr.st, no p0e3is2ite reMuire/ent e6ists un er t8e .pportion/ent or re.pportion/ent provision. In To3i.s v. A3.0os,95":* . 2.se t8.t .rose 7ro/ t8e ivision o7 t8e 2on1ression.0 istri2t 7or/er0< 2overin1 S.n 'u.n .n M.n .0u<on1 into sep.r.te istri2ts, ;e 2on7ir/e t8is istin2tion .n t8e 7.2t t8.t no p0e3is2ite is nee e in . 0e1is0.tive re.pportion/ent. T8e p0e3is2ite issue 2./e up 3e2.use one ;.s or ere .n 8e0 7or M.n .0u<on1 in t8e 2ourse o7 its 2onversion into . 8i180< ur3.niJe 2it<, ;8i0e none ;.s 8e0 7or S.n 'u.n. In e6p0.inin1 ;8< t8is 8.ppene , t8e Court ru0e t8.t no p0e3is2ite ;.s ne2ess.r< 7or S.n 'u.n 3e2.use t8e o3=e2tive o7 t8e p0e3is2ite ;.s t8e 2onversion o7 M.n .0u<on1 into . 8i180< ur3.niJe 2it< .s reMuire 3< Arti20e L, Se2tion !% t8e Lo2.0 Govern/ent Co eK t8e 2re.tion o7 . ne; 0e1is0.tive istri2t on0< 7o00o;e .s . 2onseMuen2e. In ot8er ;or s, t8e .pportion/ent .0one .n 3< itse07 i not 2.00 7or . p0e3is2ite, so t8.t none ;.s nee e 7or S.n 'u.n ;8ere on0< . re.pportion/ent tooI p0.2e. T8e nee 7or . p0e3is2ite un er Arti20e L, Se2tion !% .n t8e 0.2I o7 reMuire/ent 7or one un er Arti20e ,I, Se2tion E 2.n 3est 3e .ppre2i.te 3< . 2onsi er.tion o7 t8e 8istori2.0 roots o7 t8ese t;o provisions, t8e n.ture o7 t8e 2on2epts t8e< e/3o < .s 8ereto7ore is2usse , .n t8eir .re.s o7 .pp0i2.tion. A Bit o7 +istor<. In M.2i.s v. COMELEC,954:* ;e 7irst =urispru enti.00< .2Ino;0e 1e t8e A/eri2.n roots o7 our .pportion/ent provision, notin1 its roots 7ro/ t8e

Courteent8 A/en /ent95$:* o7 t8e U.S. Constitution .n 7ro/ t8e 2onstitutions o7 so/e A/eri2.n st.tes. T8e P8i0ippine Or1.ni2 A2t o7 !$%5 2re.te t8e P8i0ippine Asse/30<, 9@%:*t8e 3o < t8.t .2te .s t8e 0o;er 8ouse o7 t8e 3i2./er.0 0e1is0.ture un er t8e A/eri2.ns, ;it8 t8e P8i0ippine Co//ission .2tin1 .s t8e upper 8ouse. O8i0e t8e /e/3ers o7 t8e P8i0ippine Co//ission ;ere .ppointe 3< t8e U.S. Presi ent ;it8 t8e 2on7or/it< o7 t8e U.S. Sen.te, t8e /e/3ers o7 t8e P8i0ippine Asse/30< ;ere e0e2te 3< represent.tive istri2ts previous0< e0ine.te un er t8e P8i0ippine Or1.ni2 A2t o7 !$%5 pursu.nt to t8e /.n .te to .pportion t8e se.ts o7 t8e P8i0ippine Asse/30< ./on1 t8e provin2es .s ne.r0< .s pr.2ti2.30e .22or in1 to popu0.tion. T8us, 0e1is0.tive .pportion/ent 7irst st.rte in our 2ountr<. T8e 'ones L.; or t8e P8i0ippine Autono/< A2t o7 !$!# /.int.ine t8e .pportion/ent provision, ivi in1 t8e 2ountr< into !5 sen.te istri2ts .n $% represent.tive istri2ts e0e2tin1 one e0e1.te e.28 to t8e +ouse o7 Represent.tives. Se2tion !# o7 t8e A2t spe2i7i2.00< veste t8e P8i0ippine Le1is0.ture ;it8 t8e .ut8orit< to re istri2t t8e P8i0ippine Is0.n s. Un er t8e !$@E Constitution, Arti20e ,I, Se2tion E ret.ine t8e 2on2ept o7 0e1is0.tive .pportion/ent to1et8er ;it8 F istri2tG .s t8e 3.si2 unit o7 .pportion/entK t8e 2on2ern ;.s FeMu.0it< o7 represent.tion . . . .s .n essenti.0 7e.ture o7 repu30i2.n institutionsG .s e6presse in t8e 0e. in1 2.se o7 M.2i.s v. COMELEC.9@!:* T8e 2.se ru0e t8.t ineMu.0it< o7 represent.tion is . =usti2i.30e, not . po0iti2.0 issue, ;8i28 ru0in1 ;.s reiter.te in Monte=o v. COMELEC.9@5:* Not.30<, no issue re1.r in1 t8e 8o0 in1 o7 . p0e3is2ite ever 2./e up in t8ese 2.ses .n t8e ot8ers t8.t 7o00o;e , .s no p0e3is2ite ;.s reMuire . Arti20e ,III, Se2tion 5 o7 t8e !$"@ Constitution ret.ine t8e 2on2ept o7 eMu.0 represent.tion Fin .22or .n2e ;it8 t8e nu/3er o7 t8eir respe2tive in8.3it.nts .n on t8e 3.sis o7 . uni7or/ .n pro1ressive r.tioG ;it8 e.28 istri2t 3ein1, .s 7.r .s pr.2ti2.30e, 2onti1uous, 2o/p.2t .n . =.2ent territor<. T8is 7or/u0.tion ;.s essenti.00< 2.rrie over to t8e !$4" Constitution, istin1uis8e on0< 7ro/ t8e previous one 3< t8e presen2e o7 p.rt<-0ist represent.tives. In neit8er Constitution ;.s . p0e3is2ite reMuire . T8e nee 7or . p0e3is2ite in t8e 2re.tion, ivision, /er1er, or .3o0ition o7 0o2.0 1overn/ent units ;.s not 2onstitution.00< ens8rine unti0 t8e !$"@ Constitution. +o;ever, .s e.r0< .s !$E$, R.A. No. 55#H9@@:* reMuire , in t8e 2re.tion o7 3.rrios 3< Provin2i.0 Bo.r s, t8.t t8e 2re.tion .n e7inition o7 3oun .ries 3e Fupon petition o7 . /.=orit< o7 t8e voters in t8e .re.s .77e2te .G In !$#!, t8e C8.rter o7 t8e Cit< o7 C.0oo2.n >R.A. No. @5"4? 2.rrie t8is 7urt8er 3< reMuirin1 t8.t t8e FA2t s8.00 t.Ie e77e2t .7ter . /.=orit< o7 voters o7 t8e Muni2ip.0it< o7 C.0oo2.n vote in 7.vor o7 t8e 2onversion o7 t8eir /uni2ip.0it< into . 2it< in . p0e3is2ite.G T8is ;.s 7o00o;e up to !$"5 3< ot8er 0e1is0.tive en.2t/ents reMuirin1 . p0e3is2ite .s . 2on ition 7or t8e 2re.tion .n 2onversion o7 0o2.0 1overn/ent units .s ;e00 .s t8e tr.ns7er o7 sitios 7ro/ one 0e1is0.tive unit to .not8er.9@H:* In !$"@, t8e p0e3is2ite reMuire/ent ;.s .22or e 2onstitution.0 st.tus.

Un er t8ese sep.r.te 8istori2.0 tr.2Is, it 2.n 3e seen t8.t t8e 8o0 in1 o7 . p0e3is2ite ;.s never . reMuire/ent in 0e1is0.tive .pportion/ent or re.pportion/ent. A7ter it 3e2./e 2onstitution.00< entren28e , . p0e3is2ite ;.s .0so .0;.<s i enti7ie ;it8 t8e 2re.tion, ivision, /er1er, .3o0ition .n .0ter.tion o7 3oun .ries o7 0o2.0 1overn/ent units, never ;it8 t8e 2on2ept o7 0e1is0.tive .pportion/ent. N.ture .n Are.s o7 App0i2.tion. T8e 0e1is0.tive istri2t t8.t Arti20e ,I, Se2tion E spe.Is o7 /.<, in . sense, 3e 2.00e . po0iti2.0 unit 3e2.use it is t8e 3.sis 7or t8e e0e2tion o7 . /e/3er o7 t8e +ouse o7 Represent.tives .n /e/3ers o7 t8e 0o2.0 0e1is0.tive 3o <. It is not, 8o;ever, . po0iti2.0 su3 ivision t8rou18 ;8i28 7un2tions o7 1overn/ent .re 2.rrie out. It 2.n /ore .ppropri.te0< 3e es2ri3e .s . represent.tive unit t8.t /.< or /.< not en2o/p.ss t8e ;8o0e o7 . 2it< or . provin2e, 3ut un0iIe t8e 0.tter, it is not . 2orpor.te unit. Not 3ein1 . 2orpor.te unit, . istri2t oes not .2t 7or .n in 3e8.07 o7 t8e peop0e 2o/prisin1 t8e istri2tK it /ere0< e0ine.tes t8e .re.s o22upie 3< t8e peop0e ;8o ;i00 28oose . represent.tive in t8eir n.tion.0 .77.irs. Un0iIe . provin2e, ;8i28 8.s . 1overnorK . 2it< or . /uni2ip.0it<, ;8i28 8.s . /.<orK .n . 3.r.n1.<, ;8i28 8.s . punon1 3.r.n1.<, . istri2t oes not 8.ve its o;n 28ie7 e6e2utive. T8e ro0e o7 t8e 2on1ress/.n t8.t it e0e2ts is to ensure t8.t t8e voi2e o7 t8e peop0e o7 t8e istri2t is 8e.r in Con1ress, not to oversee t8e .77.irs o7 t8e 0e1is0.tive istri2t. Not 3ein1 . 2orpor.te unit .0so si1ni7ies t8.t it 8.s no 0e1.0 person.0it< t8.t /ust 3e 2re.te or isso0ve .n 8.s no 2.p.2it< to .2t. +en2e, t8ere is no nee 7or .n< p0e3is2ite in t8e 2re.tion, isso0ution or .n< ot8er si/i0.r .2tion on . 0e1is0.tive istri2t. T8e 0o2.0 1overn/ent units, on t8e ot8er 8.n , .re po0iti2.0 .n 2orpor.te units. T8e< .re t8e territori.0 .n po0iti2.0 su3 ivisions o7 t8e st.te.9@E:* T8e< possess 0e1.0 person.0it< on t8e .ut8orit< o7 t8e Constitution .n 3< .2tion o7 t8e Le1is0.ture. T8e Constitution e7ines t8e/ .s entities t8.t Con1ress 2.n, 3< 0.;, 2re.te, ivi e, .3o0is8, /er1eK or ;8ose 3oun .ries 2.n 3e .0tere 3.se on st.n .r s .1.in est.30is8e 3< 3ot8 t8e Constitution .n t8e Le1is0.ture.9@#:* A 0o2.0 1overn/ent unitDs 2orpor.te e6isten2e 3e1ins upon t8e e0e2tion .n Mu.0i7i2.tion o7 its 28ie7 e6e2utive .n . /.=orit< o7 t8e /e/3ers o7 its S.n11uni.n.9@":* As . po0iti2.0 su3 ivision, . 0o2.0 1overn/ent unit is .n Finstru/ent.0it< o7 t8e st.te in 2.rr<in1 out t8e 7un2tions o7 1overn/ent.G9@4:* As . 2orpor.te entit< ;it8 . istin2t .n sep.r.te =uri i2.0 person.0it< 7ro/ t8e St.te, it e6er2ises spe2i.0 7un2tions 7or t8e so0e 3ene7it o7 its 2onstituents. It .2ts .s F.n .1en2< o7 t8e 2o//unit< in t8e . /inistr.tion o7 0o2.0 .77.irsG9@$:* .n t8e /e iu/s t8rou18 ;8i28 t8e peop0e .2t in t8eir 2orpor.te 2.p.2it< on 0o2.0 2on2erns.9H%:* In 0i18t o7 t8ese ro0es, t8e Constitution s.; it 7it to e6press0< se2ure t8e 2onsent o7 t8e peop0e .77e2te 3< t8e 2re.tion, ivision, /er1er, .3o0ition or .0ter.tion o7 3oun .ries o7 0o2.0 1overn/ent units t8rou18 . p0e3is2ite.

T8ese 2onsi er.tions 20e.r0< s8o; t8e istin2tions 3et;een . 0e1is0.tive .pportion/ent or re.pportion/ent .n t8e ivision o7 . 0o2.0 1overn/ent unit. +istori2.00< .n 3< its intrinsi2 n.ture, . 0e1is0.tive .pportion/ent oes not /e.n, .n oes not even i/p0<, . ivision o7 . 0o2.0 1overn/ent unit ;8ere t8e .pportion/ent t.Ies p0.2e. T8us, t8e p0e3is2ite reMuire/ent t8.t .pp0ies to t8e ivision o7 . provin2e, 2it<, /uni2ip.0it< or 3.r.n1.< un er t8e Lo2.0 Govern/ent Co e s8ou0 not .pp0< to .n 3e . reMuisite 7or t8e v.0i it< o7 . 0e1is0.tive .pportion/ent or re.pportion/ent.

R.A. No. $@"! .n COMELEC Res. No. "4@" R.A. No. $@"! is, on its 7.2e, pure0< .n si/p0< . re.pportion/ent 0e1is0.tion p.sse in .22or .n2e ;it8 t8e .ut8orit< 1r.nte to Con1ress un er Arti20e ,I, Se2tion E>H? o7 t8e Constitution. Its 2ore provision A Se2tion ! A provi es& SECTION !. Le1is0.tive -istri2ts. P T8e 0one 0e1is0.tive istri2t o7 t8e Cit< o7 C.1.<.n e Oro is 8ere3< .pportione to 2o//en2e in t8e ne6t n.tion.0 e0e2tions .7ter t8e e77e2tivit< o7 t8is A2t. +en2e7ort8, 3.r.n1.<s Bon3on, B.<.3.s, B.us;.1.n, C.r/en, P.t.1, Bu0u., Ipon.n, B.iIin1on, S.n Si/on, P.1.tp.t, C.nito.n, B.0u0.n1, Lu/3i., P.1.0un1.n, T.1p.n1i, T.10i/.o, Tu3ur.n, Pi1s.1-.n, Tu/p.1on, B.<.n1., M./3u.<., -.nsu0i8on, Ti1n.po0o.n .n Bisi1.n s8.00 2o/prise t8e 7irst istri2t ;8i0e 3.r.n1.<s M.2.3.0.n, Punto , Conso0.2ion, C././.n-.n, N.J.ret8, M.2.ns.n i1, In .8.1, L.p.s.n, Gus., Cu1/.n, CS C.t.ni2o, T.30on, A1us.n, Puerto, Bu1o .n B.0u3.0 .n .00 ur3.n 3.r.n1.<s 7ro/ B.r.n1.< ! to B.r.n1.< H% s8.00 2o/prise t8e se2on istri2t. Un er t8ese ;or in1s, no ivision o7 C.1.<.n e Oro Cit< .s . po0iti2.0 .n 2orpor.te entit< t.Ies p0.2e or is /.n .te . C.1.<.n e Oro Cit< po0iti2.00< re/.ins . sin10e unit .n its . /inistr.tion is not ivi e .0on1 territori.0 0ines. Its territor< re/.ins 2o/p0ete0< ;8o0e .n int.2tK t8ere is on0< t8e . ition o7 .not8er 0e1is0.tive istri2t .n t8e e0ine.tion o7 t8e 2it< into t;o istri2ts 7or purposes o7 represent.tion in t8e +ouse o7 Represent.tives. T8us, Arti20e L, Se2tion !% o7 t8e Constitution oes not 2o/e into p0.< .n no p0e3is2ite is ne2ess.r< to v.0i 0< .pportion C.1.<.n e Oro Cit< into t;o istri2ts. A /itte 0<, t8e 0e1is0.tive re.pportion/ent 2.rries e77e2ts 3e<on t8e 2re.tion o7 .not8er 2on1ression.0 istri2t in t8e 2it< 3< provi in1, .s re70e2te in COMELEC Reso0ution No. "4@", 7or . ition.0 S.n11uni.n1 P.n10unso se.ts to 3e vote 7or .0on1 t8e 0ines o7 t8e 2on1ression.0 .pportion/ent /. e. T8e e77e2t on t8e S.n11uni.n1 P.n10unso , 8o;ever, is not ire2t0< tr.2e.30e to R.A. No. $@"! 3ut to .not8er 0.; A R.A. No. ##@#9H!:* A ;8ose Se2tion @ provi es& SECTION @. Ot8er Cities. P T8e provision o7 .n< 0.; to t8e 2ontr.r<

not;it8st.n in1 t8e Cit< o7 Ce3u, Cit< o7 -.v.o, .n .n< ot8er 2it< ;it8 /ore t8.n one represent.tive istri2t s8.00 8.ve ei18t >4? 2oun2i0ors 7or e.28 istri2t ;8o s8.00 3e resi ents t8ereo7 to 3e e0e2te 3< t8e Mu.0i7ie voters t8erein, provi e t8.t t8e 2ities o7 C.1.<.n e Oro, Z./3o.n1., B.2o0o , I0oi0o .n ot8er 2ities 2o/prisin1 . represent.tive istri2t s8.00 8.ve t;e0ve >!5? 2oun2i0ors e.28 .n .00 ot8er 2ities s8.00 8.ve ten >!%? 2oun2i0ors e.28 to 3e e0e2te .t 0.r1e 3< t8e Mu.0i7ie voters o7 t8e s.i 2ities& Provi e , T8.t in no 2.se s8.00 t8e present nu/3er o7 2oun2i0ors .22or in1 to t8eir 28.rters 3e re u2e . +o;ever, neit8er oes t8is 0.; 8.ve t8e e77e2t o7 ivi in1 t8e Cit< o7 C.1.<.n e Oro into t;o po0iti2.0 .n 2orpor.te units .n territories. R.t8er t8.n ivi e t8e 2it< eit8er territori.00< or .s . 2orpor.te entit<, t8e e77e2t is /ere0< to en8.n2e voter represent.tion 3< 1ivin1 e.28 2it< voter /ore .n 1re.ter s.<, 3ot8 in Con1ress .n in t8e S.n11uni.n1 P.n10unso . To i00ustr.te t8is e77e2t, 3e7ore t8e re.pportion/ent, C.1.<.n e Oro 8. on0< one 2on1ress/.n .n !5 2it< 2oun2i0 /e/3ers 2it<;i e 7or its popu0.tion o7 .ppro6i/.te0< E%%,%%%.9H5:* B< 8.vin1 t;o 0e1is0.tive istri2ts, e.28 o7 t8e/ ;it8 one 2on1ress/.n, C.1.<.n e Oro no; e77e2tive0< 8.s t;o 2on1ress/en, e.28 one representin1 5E%,%%% o7 t8e 2it<Ds popu0.tion. In ter/s o7 servi2es 7or 2it< resi ents, t8is e.si0< /e.ns 3etter .22ess to t8eir 2on1ress/.n sin2e e.28 one no; servi2es on0< 5E%,%%% 2onstituents .s .1.inst t8e E%%,%%% 8e use to represent. T8e s./e 1oes true 7or t8e S.n11uni.n1 P.n10un1so ;it8 its r.nIs in2re.se 7ro/ !5 to !# sin2e e.28 0e1is0.tive istri2t no; 8.s 4 2oun2i0ors. In represent.tion ter/s, t8e 7e;er 2onstituents represente tr.ns0.te to . 1re.ter voi2e 7or e.28 in ivi u.0 2it< resi ent in Con1ress .n in t8e S.n11uni.nK e.28 2on1ress/.n .n e.28 2oun2i0or represents 3ot8 . s/.00er .re. .n 7e;er 2onstituents ;8ose 7e;er nu/3ers .re no; 2on2entr.te in e.28 represent.tive. T8e Cit<, 7or its p.rt, no; 8.s t;i2e t8e nu/3er o7 2on1ress/en spe.Iin1 7or it .n votin1 in t8e 8.00s o7 Con1ress. Sin2e t8e tot.0 nu/3er o7 2on1ress/en in t8e 2ountr< 8.s not in2re.se to t8e point o7 ou30in1 its nu/3ers, t8e presen2e o7 t;o 2on1ress/.n >inste. o7 one? 7ro/ t8e s./e 2it< 2.nnot 3ut 3e . Mu.ntit.tive .n proportion.0 i/prove/ent in t8e represent.tion o7 C.1.<.n e Oro Cit< in Con1ress. EMu.0it< o7 represent.tion. T8e petitioner .r1ues t8.t t8e istri3ution o7 t8e 0e1is0.tive istri2ts is uneMu.0. -istri2t ! 8.s on0< $@,"!$ re1istere voters ;8i0e -istri2t 5 8.s !5",%"!. -istri2t ! is 2o/pose /ost0< o7 rur.0 3.r.n1.<s ;8i0e -istri2t 5 is 2o/pose /ost0< o7 ur3.n 3.r.n1.<s.9H@:* T8us, R.A. No. $@"! vio0.tes t8e prin2ip0e o7 eMu.0it< o7 represent.tion. A 20.ri7i2.tion /ust 3e /. e. T8e 0.; 20e.r0< provi es t8.t t8e 3.sis 7or istri2tin1 s8.00 3e t8e nu/3er o7 t8e in8.3it.nts o7 . 2it< or . provin2e, not t8e nu/3er o7 re1istere voters t8erein. Oe sett0e t8is ver< s./e Muestion in +errer. v. COMELEC9HH:* ;8en ;e interprete . provision in R.A. No. "!## .n COMELEC Reso0ution No.5@!@ t8.t

.pp0ie to t8e Provin2e o7 Gui/.r.s. Oe 2.te1ori2.00< ru0e t8.t t8e 3.sis 7or istri2tin1 is t8e nu/3er o7 in8.3it.nts o7 t8e Provin2e o7 Gui/.r.s 3< /uni2ip.0it< 3.se on t8e o77i2i.0 !$$E Census o7 Popu0.tion .s 2erti7ie to 3< To/.s P. A7ri2., A /inistr.tor o7 t8e N.tion.0 St.tisti2s O77i2e. T8e petitioner, un7ortun.te0<, i not provi e in7or/.tion .3out t8e .2tu.0 popu0.tion o7 C.1.<.n e Oro Cit<. +o;ever, ;e t.Ie =u i2i.0 noti2e o7 t8e Au1ust 5%%" 2ensus o7 t8e N.tion.0 St.tisti2s O77i2e ;8i28 s8o;s t8.t 3.r.n1.<s 2o/prisin1 C.1.<.n e OroDs 7irst istri2t 8.ve . tot.0 popu0.tion o7 5EH,#HH, ;8i0e t8e se2on istri2t 8.s 5$$,@55 resi ents. Un eni.30<, t8ese 7i1ures s8o; . isp.rit< in t8e popu0.tion siJes o7 t8e istri2ts.9HE:* T8e Constitution, 8o;ever, oes not reMuire /.t8e/.ti2.0 e6.2titu e or ri1i eMu.0it< .s . st.n .r in 1.u1in1 eMu.0it< o7 represent.tion.9H#:* In 7.2t, 7or 2ities, .00 it .sIs is t8.t Fe.28 2it< ;it8 . popu0.tion o7 .t 0e.st t;o 8un re 7i7t< t8ous.n s8.00 8.ve one represent.tive,G ;8i0e ensurin1 represent.tion 7or ever< provin2e re1.r 0ess o7 t8e siJe o7 its popu0.tion. To ensure Mu.0it< represent.tion t8rou18 2o//on.0it< o7 interests .n e.se o7 .22ess 3< t8e represent.tive to t8e 2onstituents, .00 t8.t t8e Constitution reMuires is t8.t ever< 0e1is0.tive istri2t s8ou0 2o/prise, .s 7.r .s pr.2ti2.30e, 2onti1uous, 2o/p.2t, .n . =.2ent territor<. T8us, t8e Constitution 0e.ves t8e 0o2.0 1overn/ent units .s t8e< .re 7oun .n oes not reMuire t8eir ivision, /er1er or tr.ns7er to s.tis7< t8e nu/eri2.0 st.n .r it i/poses. Its reMuire/ents .re s.tis7ie espite so/e nu/eri2.0 isp.rit< i7 t8e units .re 2onti1uous, 2o/p.2t .n . =.2ent .s 7.r .s pr.2ti2.30e. T8e petitionerDs 2ontention t8.t t8ere is . resu0tin1 ineMu.0it< in t8e ivision o7 C.1.<.n e Oro Cit< into t;o istri2ts 3e2.use t8e 3.r.n1.<s in t8e 7irst istri2t .re /ost0< rur.0 3.r.n1.<s ;8i0e t8e se2on istri2t is /ost0< ur3.n, is 0.r1e0< unsu3st.nti.te . But even i7 3.2Ie up 3< proper proo7, ;e 2.nnot Muestion t8e ivision on t8e 3.sis o7 t8e i77eren2e in t8e 3.r.n1.<sD 0eve0s o7 eve0op/ent or eve0op/ent.0 7o2us .s t8ese .re not p.rt o7 t8e 2onstitution.0 st.n .r s 7or 0e1is0.tive .pportion/ent or re.pportion/ent. O8.t t8e 2o/ponents o7 t8e t;o istri2ts o7 C.1.<.n e Oro ;ou0 3e is . /.tter 7or t8e 0.;/.Iers to eter/ine .s . /.tter o7 po0i2<. In t8e .3sen2e o7 .n< 1r.ve .3use o7 is2retion or vio0.tion o7 t8e est.30is8e 0e1.0 p.r./eters, t8is Court 2.nnot intru e into t8e ;is o/ o7 t8ese po0i2ies.9H":* O+ERECORE, ;e 8ere3< -ISMISS t8e petition 7or 0.2I o7 /erit. Costs .1.inst t8e petitioner. SO OR-ERE-. ARTURO -. BRION Asso2i.te 'usti2e

OE CONCUR&

REYNATO S. PUNO C8ie7 'usti2e

LEONAR-O A. (UISUMBING Asso2i.te 'usti2e

>On 0e.ve? CONSUELO YNARES-SANTIAGO Asso2i.te 'usti2e

ANTONIO T. CARPIO Asso2i.te 'usti2e

MA. ALICIA AUSTRIA-MARTINEZ Asso2i.te 'usti2e

RENATO C. CORONA Asso2i.te 'usti2e

CONC+ITA CARPIO MORALES Asso2i.te 'usti2e

A-OLCO S. AZCUNA Asso2i.te 'usti2e

-ANTE O. TINGA Asso2i.te 'usti2e

MINITA ,. C+ICO-NAZARIO Asso2i.te 'usti2e

PRESBITERO '. ,ELASCO, 'R. Asso2i.te 'usti2e

ANTONIO E-UAR-O B. NAC+URA Asso2i.te 'usti2e

RUBEN T. REYES Asso2i.te 'usti2e

TERESITA '. LEONAR-O--E CASTRO Asso2i.te 'usti2e

CERTICICATION Pursu.nt to Se2tion !@, Arti20e ,III o7 t8e Constitution, it is 8ere3< 2erti7ie t8.t t8e 2on20usions in t8e .3ove -e2ision ;ere re.28e in 2onsu0t.tion 3e7ore t8e 2.se ;.s .ssi1ne to t8e ;riter o7 t8e opinion o7 t8e Court.

REYNATO S. PUNO C8ie7 'usti2e

* )* On 0e.ve. 9!:* Un er Ru0e #E o7 t8e Ru0es o7 Court. 95:* FAn A2t Provi in1 7or t8e Apportion/ent o7 t8e Lone Le1is0.tive -istri2t o7 t8e Cit< o7 C.1.<.n -e Oro.G 9@:* Ro00o, p. 5!H. 9H:* I ., p. 5E. 9E:* I ., p. 5E. 9#:* I ., pp. 5@-5H. 9":* I ., pp. @-55. 94:* I ., pp. #%-$@ 9$:* G.R. No. !@45$4, Nove/3er 5$, 5%%%, @H# SCRA H4E. 9!%:* Ro00o, pp. !5@-!H4. 9!!:* CONSTITUTION, Arti20e ,III, Se2tion E>!?. 9!5:* Se2. $ >!?, B.P. B01. !5$. 9!@:* Se2. 5! >!?, B.P. B01. !5$. 9!H:* See& Peop0e v. Cu.res/., G.R. No. #""4", Apri0 !4, !$4$, !"5 SCRA H!E. 9!E:* S.nti.1o v. Guin1on., 'r., G.R. No. !@HE"", Nove/3er !4, !$$4, 5$4 SCRA "E#. 9!#:* See& B.utist. v. COMELEC, G.R. Nos. !EH"$#-$", O2to3er 5@, 5%%@, H!H SCRA 5$$. 9!":* B0.2IDs L.; -i2tion.r<, Et8 E ition, p. $!. 9!4:* C0.pp, './es E., -i2tion.r< o7 L.; >5%%%?, p. @@. 9!$:* B0.2IDs L.; -i2tion.r<, supr. note !", p. !!@". 95%:* CONSTITUTION, Art. L, Se2. !. 95!:* M.rtin, Pu30i2 Corpor.tions, Revise !$4@ E ition, p. E. 955:* Arti20e ,I, Se2tion EK Monte=o v. COMELEC, @!5 P8i0. H$5 >!$$E?. 95@:* Supr. note !4.

95H:* Se2tion ", Lo2.0 Govern/ent Co e. 95E:* CONSTITUTION, Art. L, Se2. !%. 95#:* SEC. !%. P0e3is2ite ReMuire/ent. - No 2re.tion, ivision, /er1er, .3o0ition, or su3st.nti.0 .0ter.tion o7 3oun .ries o7 0o2.0 1overn/ent units s8.00 t.Ie e77e2t un0ess .pprove 3< . /.=orit< o7 t8e votes 2.st in . p0e3is2ite 2.00e 7or t8e purpose in t8e po0iti2.0 unit or units ire2t0< .77e2te . S.i p0e3is2ite s8.00 3e 2on u2te 3< t8e Co//ission on E0e2tions >Co/e0e2? ;it8in one 8un re t;ent< >!5%? .<s 7ro/ t8e .te o7 e77e2tivit< o7 t8e 0.; or or in.n2e e77e2tin1 su28 .2tion, un0ess s.i 0.; or or in.n2e 7i6es .not8er .te. 95":* G.R. No. !!H"4@, -e2e/3er 4, !$$H, 5@$ SCRA !%#. 954:* G.R. No. L-!4#4H, Septe/3er !H, !$#!, !!@ P8i0. ! >!$#!?. 95$:* T8e Courteent8 A/en /ent o7 t8e U.S. Constitution provi es t8e 3.sis 7or t8e reMuire/ent o7 .n eMuit.30e .pportion/ent s28e/e. See 1ener.00<, Co0e1rove v. Green, @54 U.S. EH$, 2ite in M.2i.s v. COMELEC, supr. note 54. 9@%:* Peop0e v. S.nti.1o, H@ P8i0 !5% >!$55?. 9@!:* Supr. note 54. 9@5:* G.R. No. !!4"%5, M.r28 !#, !$$E. 9@@:* FAn A2t A/en in1 t8e L.;s Governin1 Lo2.0 Govern/ents 3< In2re.sin1 t8eir Autono/< .n Reor1.niJin1 Provin2i.0 Govern/ents.G 9@H:* A p0e3is2ite ;.s . 2on itio sine Mu. non in t8e 2re.tion o7 /uni2ip.0 2orpor.tions in20u in1, 3ut not 0i/ite to, t8e 7o00o;in1& !? t8e Cit< o7 An1e0es, R.A. @"%%K 5? t8e Muni2ip.0it< o7 Pio -ur.n in t8e Provin2e o7 A03.<, R.A. @4!"K @? t8e Provin2es o7 Nort8ern S./.r, E.stern S./.r .n Oestern S./.r, R.A. H55!K H? t8e Provin2es o7 A1us.n e0 Norte .n A1us.n e0 Sur, R.A. H$"$. T8e prior .pprov.0 o7 . /.=orit< o7 t8e Mu.0i7ie voters o7 2ert.in sitios o7 t8e Muni2ip.0it< o7 Ani0.o ;.s .0so reMuire 3e7ore t8e tr.ns7er o7 t8e s./e sitios to t8e Muni2ip.0it< o7 B.n.te un er R.A. H#!H tooI e77e2t. 9@E:* Metropo0it.n M.ni0. -eve0op/ent Aut8orit< v. Be0-Air ,i00.1e Asso2i.tion, In2., G.R. No. !@E$#5, M.r28 5", 5%%%, @54 SCRA 4@#. 9@#:* CONSTITUTION, Arti20e L, Se2s. @ .n !%K AMui0ino Pi/ente0, 'r., T8e Lo2.0 Govern/ent Co e o7 !$$!& T8e Be< to N.tion.0 -eve0op/ent, p. E. 9@":* Se2. !H, Lo2.0 Govern/ent Co e. 9@4:* Li .s.n v. Co//ission on E0e2tions, G.R. No. L-54%4$ O2to3er 5E, !$#", 5! SCRA H$#. 9@$:* I3i . 9H%:* Se2tion !E o7 t8e Lo2.0 Govern/ent Co e provi es& Po0iti2.0 .n Corpor.te N.ture o7 Lo2.0 Govern/ent Units. - Ever< 0o2.0 1overn/ent unit 2re.te or re2o1niJe un er t8is Co e is . 3o < po0iti2 .n 2orpor.te en o;e ;it8 po;ers to 3e e6er2ise 3< it in 2on7or/it< ;it8 0.;. As su28, it s8.00 e6er2ise po;ers .s . po0iti2.0 su3 ivision o7 t8e n.tion.0 1overn/ent .n .s . 2orpor.te entit< representin1 t8e in8.3it.nts o7 its territor<. 9H!:* En.2te into 0.; on Nove/3er #, !$4". 9H5:* As provi e 3< COMELEC Res. No. "4%! t8.t COMELEC Res. No. "4@" superse e .

9H@:* Ro00o, p. "!. 9HH:* G.R. No. !@!H$$, Nove/3er !", !$$$, @!4 SCRA @@". 9HE:* Tot.0 Popu0.tion 3< Provin2e, Cit<, Muni2ip.0it< .n B.r.n1.<& * .s o7 Au1ust !, 5%%" Q8ttp&RR;;;.2ensus.1ov.p8R .t.Rse2tor .t.R5%%"Rre1ionS5%!%.p 7*T, *0.st .22esse Nove/3er E, 5%%4. 9H#:* +.r0.n, issentin1 opinion in B.Ier v. C.rr, @#$ U. S. !4# 2itin1 A00ie Stores o7 O8io v. Bo;ers, @E4 U.S. E55* .n M2Go;.n v. M.r<0.n , @## U.S. H5%*, in ;8i28 t8e Supre/e Court ru0e t8.t t8e EMu.0 Prote2tion C0.use oes not e/.n o7 0e1is0.tion F7ini2I< or e6.2t 2on7or/it< to .3str.2t 2orre0.tion 666. T8e Constitution is s.tis7ie i7 . 0e1is0.ture respon s to t8e pr.2ti2.0 0ivin1 7.2ts ;it8 ;8i28 it e.0s. T8rou18 ;8.t pre2ise points in . 7ie0 o7 /.n< 2o/petin1 pressures . 0e1is0.ture /i18t /ost suit.30< 8.ve r.;n its 0ines is not . Muestion 7or =u i2i.0 re-e6./in.tion. It is enou18 to s.tis7< t8e Constitution t8.t in r.;in1 t8e/ t8e prin2ip0e o7 re.son 8.s not 3een isre1.r e . An ;8.t e1ree o7 uni7or/it< re.son e/.n s o7 . st.tute is, o7 2ourse, . 7un2tion o7 t8e 2o/p0e6it< o7 t8e nee s ;8i28 t8e st.tute seeIs to .22o//o .te.G 9H":* To3i.s v. A3.0os, G.R. No. L-!!H"4@, -e2e/3er 4, !$$H, 5@$ SCRA !%#.