Title
Supreme Court
Creation of Compostela Valley Province
Law
Republic Act No. 8470
Decision Date
Jan 30, 1998
Republic Act No. 8470 creates the Province of Compostela Valley from the existing Province of Davao del Norte, dividing the municipalities and legislative districts between the two provinces, with the creation of Compostela Valley to be effective upon the approval of a plebiscite.

Law Summary

Seats of Government

  • The seat of government of Davao del Norte is the Municipality of Tagum.
  • The seat of government of Compostela Valley is the Municipality of Nabunturan.

Legislative Districts of Davao del Norte

  • The Province of Davao del Norte is divided into two legislative districts:
    • District I: Tagum, Asuncion, Kapalong, Talaingod, New Corella.
    • District II: Panabo, Carmen, Babak, Samal, Kaputian, Sto. Tomas.

Legislative Districts of Compostela Valley

  • The Province of Compostela Valley is divided into two legislative districts:
    • District I: Monkayo, Montevista, Maragusan, New Bataan, Compostela.
    • District II: Laak, Mawab, Nabunturan, Maco, Mabini, Pantukan.

Effectivity Condition via Plebiscite

  • Creation of Compostela Valley is effective upon majority approval in a plebiscite.
  • The plebiscite is conducted by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) within 60 days of the Act's effectivity.
  • Plebiscite expenses are charged to Davao del Norte.

Continuation and Appointment of Officials

  • Elective officials elected in 1995 for Davao del Norte can choose which province to serve.
  • They shall continue to receive their current salaries until legally adjusted.
  • Vacant elective positions created due to the creation of Compostela Valley will be temporarily filled by presidential appointees until successors are elected.

Appointive Officials and Employees

  • Present appointive officials and employees continue in their current province.
  • They shall maintain their current salaries until adjustment.
  • Appointive positions in Compostela Valley must be filled within 60 days after ratification, allowing applications from officials/employees of Davao del Norte without prejudice.

Legislative Representation Transition

  • Incumbent representatives of Davao del Norte continue representing the existing three districts until term expiration.
  • New legislative districting takes effect in the next congressional election after approval.

Division of Obligations and Assets

  • Obligations, funds, assets, and properties of Davao del Norte are divided proportionately between Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley.
  • The division is overseen by the President based on Commission on Audit recommendations.

Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) Distribution

  • For the first year, the IRA allocated to Davao del Norte is proportionately divided between the two provinces.
  • The division is regulated by a resolution from the incumbent Provincial Board and representatives, submitted to the Department of Budget and Management.
  • Subsequent years' IRA allocations follow the Local Government Code provisions.

Effectivity of the Act

  • The law takes effect upon approval.

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