Authored by Congressman Pedro Acharon Jr., House Bill 5162 also seeks for the creation of a lone congressional or legislative district for the city.
The bill will now be transmitted to the Senate. According to reports, Sen. Juan Edgardo Angara has signified to sponsor and facilitate the passage of its counterpart measure.
At present, the first district of South Cotabato is composed of General Santos City and the municipalities of Tupi, Tampakan and Polomolok.