Republic Act No. 4849

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippine Congress Assembled:

Section 1

The municipalities of Norala, Surala, Banga, Tantangan, Koronadal, Tupi, Polomolok, Kiamba, Maitum, Maasim, Tampacan and Glan and the City of Rajah Buayan (General Santos) are hereby segregated from the Province of Cotabato and constituted into a separate province to be known as South Cotabato. The present Province of Cotabato minus the territory comprising the municipalities above-mentioned shall continue to be known as Cotabato.

Section 2

Except as otherwise herein provided, all provisions of law now or hereafter applicable to regularly organized provinces shall be applicable to the Province of South Cotabato.

Section 3

The provincial capital of South Cotabato shall be the Municipality of Koronadal, and the capitol building and all other national and provincial offices in the new province shall be established within the government lots thereat. The provincial capital of Cotabato shall hereafter be the Municipality of Pagalungan: Provided, That until the necessary buildings needed to house the various offices of the Provincial Government of Cotabato shall have been constructed, the City of Cotabato shall continue to be the capital of the Province of Cotabato.

Section 4

The first provincial governor, vice-governor and members of the Provincial Board of South Cotabato shall be elected in the local elections in nineteen hundred sixty-seven. The officers and employees needed to organize the government personnel of South Cotabato shall be appointed as provided by law.

Section 5

The provinces of Cotabato and South Cotabato shall each have one representative in the House of Representatives.

Section 6

Upon the effectivity of this Act, the obligations, funds, assets and other properties of the present Province of Cotabato shall be divided proportionately between the Province of Cotabato and the Province of South Cotabato by the President of the Philippines upon the recommendation of the Auditor General.

Section 7

This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

Approved: July 18, 1966.