Lawmakers in Panglao have expressed their “vehement objection” against the bill filed by 1^st District Rene Relampagos in Congress renaming Panglao Island to Dauis-Panglao Island.

A resolution filed by Panglao’s Sangguniang Bayan (SB) last week indicated that the move would cause confusion and unnecessary updating of official records and documents.

“The move to effect such change of name will not in any manner afford significant benefit to the Municipality of Dauis, more than it did to the Municipality of Panglao,” the resolution said.

According to the lawmakers, Relampagos made the proposal without consulting Panglao officials.

“For reason known only to him, the Honorable Congressman of the First District of Bohol filed a bill in Congress supporting the wish of officials of the Municipality of Dauis,” the resolution stated.

The SB members also pointed out that the move would cause “unnecessary precedent” for other islands that are comprised of multiple local government units.

Last month, the House committee on local government chaired by Rep. Pedro Acharon, Jr. approved House Bill 6241 which seeks to rename Panglao Island to Dauis-Panglao Island.

According to Relampagos, the measure was crafted to “correct geographical misrepresentation” and give due recognition to the town of Dauis.

“For the longest time, the island over which these two municipalities are found is referred to as Panglao Island,” Relampagos said.

The renaming of the island is also intended to avoid confusion over the names of the municipalities and the island, he added.

Both the towns of Panglao and Dauis are located within the 91-square-kilometer Panglao Island.

The municipality of Panglao is one of the country’s top tourist draws due to its white-sand beaches while Dauis is among the province’s oldest towns. (AD)