“Taguig-Pateros.” Can you pronounce that quickly? This is the Lone District of Pateros-Taguig. It represents the municipality of Pateros and the eastern part of Taguig in the Congress of the Philippines.
The Lone District of Pateros-Taguig has a rich history. Areas now part of Taguig and Pateros were once under the province of Manila. This was during the Malolos Congress from 1898 to 1899. Later, these towns joined Rizal province in 1901. They formed part of Rizal’s first district from 1907 to 1941 and again from 1945 to 1972.
During World War II, Taguig and Pateros were part of Rizal’s at-large district. This was in the National Assembly of the Second Philippine Republic from 1943 to 1944. In 1975, Taguig and Pateros separated from Rizal. They became part of Metropolitan Manila. From 1978 to 1984, they were part of Region IV in the Interim Batasang Pambansa.
Taguig, Pateros, and Muntinlupa formed a single parliamentary district in 1984. This district had one representative in the Regular Batasang Pambansa. In 1987, Taguig and Pateros became one congressional district. This was under the new Constitution. They elected their representative to the House of Representatives that year.
In 1998, the western area of Taguig became a separate congressional district. This happened when Taguig became a highly urbanized city. However, this law took effect in 2004. The Commission on Elections confirmed the cityhood votes after a recount. The new district elected its first representative in 2007.
A boundary dispute arose over Fort McKinley. Now it is Fort Bonifacio and its surroundings. Makati claimed parts of Taguig’s barangays. These were Fort Bonifacio, Pinagsama, Western Bicutan, and Ususan. Residents vote based on who has de facto control.
Ricardo Cruz Jr. has represented the Taguig-Pateros district since 2022. In the past, representatives included Dante O. Tinga and Alan Peter S. Cayetano.
Taguig itself has an interesting origin. The area was once a settlement of farmers and fishermen. They were known for threshing rice. People called them “mga taga-giik.” The Spanish had trouble pronouncing this. They shortened it to “Taguig.”
The Lone District of Pateros-Taguig stands as a testament to the area’s evolution. It reflects its journey from a small settlement to a bustling part of Metro Manila. Its history is woven into the fabric of the Philippines. The legislative district continues to shape the region’s future.