THE second district of Rizal will be soon be divided into three separate districts even without a plebiscite, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).
The poll body issued the clarification after President Duterte signed into law Republic Act 11533 on March 25, 2021.
In a Viber message, Comelec spokesperson James Jimenez said the new law merely “reapportioned” the existing districts in Rizal.
“So there will no need for a plebiscite,” Jimenez said.
Under RA 11533, the new legislative district of Rizal will include Cardona, Tanay, and Baras, Morong, Jala-jala, Pililia and Teresa.
The new third district will be San Mateo, while the fourth district will have Rodriguez.
Comelec is mandated to come out with the implementing rules and regulations of RA 11533 within 30 days after the effectivity of the new legislation.
RA 11533 will become effective 15 days after its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.