Question & AnswerQ&A (Republic Act No. 4849)
The primary purpose of Republic Act No. 4849 is to create the Province of South Cotabato by segregating certain municipalities and the City of Rajah Buayan (General Santos) from the Province of Cotabato.
The municipalities of Norala, Surala, BaAga, Tantangan, Koronadal, Tupi, Polomolok, Kiamba, Maitum, Maasim, Tampacan, and Glan, and the City of Rajah Buayan (General Santos) were segregated to form South Cotabato.
The remaining territory of the original Cotabato province, after segregating South Cotabato, shall continue to be known as Cotabato.
The provincial capital of South Cotabato is the Municipality of Koronadal.
The designated provincial capital of Cotabato after the creation of South Cotabato is the Municipality of Pagalungan. However, until necessary buildings are constructed, the City of Cotabato will temporarily serve as the capital.
The first provincial governor, vice-governor, and members of the Provincial Board of South Cotabato were to be elected in the local elections in 1967.
They are to be appointed as provided by law, meaning following the relevant laws governing public appointments.
Each province, Cotabato and South Cotabato, is entitled to one representative in the House of Representatives.
A special election for South Cotabato’s representative was to be held simultaneously with the local elections in November 1967; the person elected would serve until December 30, 1969.
They are to be divided proportionately between Cotabato and South Cotabato by the President upon the recommendation of the Auditor General.