Applicability of Laws to Southern Leyte
- Unless otherwise stated, all laws applicable to regularly organized provinces apply to Southern Leyte.
Provincial Capital
- The town of Maasin is designated as the capital of Southern Leyte.
Initial Government Officials and Appointments
- The first provincial governor and Provincial Board members are appointed by the President of the Philippines.
- Such appointments require the consent of the Commission on Appointments.
- These officials serve until successors are elected in the next regular election after the law’s effectivity and have qualified.
- Other government officers and employees necessary for the new provincial government shall be appointed according to existing laws.
Legislative Representation
- Southern Leyte is entitled to one Representative in the House of Representatives.
- Leyte province shall have four Representatives.
- Current Representatives of Leyte continue to serve their districts until their terms expire even after the creation of Southern Leyte.
Reapportionment of Representative Districts
- Effective from the regular election following the law’s approval, the districts of Leyte are renumbered:
- Fourth District becomes First District
- Fifth District becomes Second District
- First District becomes Third District
- Second District becomes Fourth District
Division of Obligations and Assets
- Upon effectivity, obligations, funds, assets, and properties of the former Province of Leyte shall be proportionately divided between Leyte and Southern Leyte.
- The division is made by the President based on the Auditor General’s recommendation.
Effectivity of the Act
- The Act takes effect on July 1, 1960.