Prior to gaining separate representation, areas now under the jurisdiction of Maguindanao were represented under the Department of Mindanao and Sulu (1917–1935) and Cotabato (1935–1972).
Under the new Constitution which was proclaimed on February 11, 1987, the province, including Cotabato City, was reapportioned into two congressional districts;[2] each elected its member to the restored House of Representatives starting that same year.
The province of Shariff Kabunsuan, established with the passage of Muslim Mindanao Autonomy Act No. 201[3] and its subsequent approval by plebiscite, was created out of Maguindanao's western municipalities in 2006. Per Section 5 of MMA Act No. 201, Cotabato City was grouped with Shariff Kabunsuan for the purpose of electing a congressional representative.[3] It was this specific provision that became the subject of the Supreme Court case that ultimately voided MMA Act No. 201 for being unconstitutional, and leading to the disestablishment of the Shariff Kabunsuan in 2008 and the return of its territory to Maguindanao. In the brief period of Shariff Kabunsuan's existence the First District of Maguindanao—Cotabato City was known as the Lone District of Shariff Kabunsuan—Cotabato City, while the Second District was known as the Lone District of Maguindanao.
^Independent from the province and does not vote for provincial officials. Only votes with Maguindanao for representation in the various national legislatures.
^Only took oath on March 26, 1996,[5] following the resolution of legal battles surrounding the 1995 election results contested by Michael Mastura.[6]
^Elected as representative of the district briefly designated as the Lone District of Shariff Kabunsuan—Cotabato City in 2007.
^ abcdeCongressional Library Bureau. "Roster of Philippine Legislators". Republic of the Philippines, House of Representatives. Retrieved November 22, 2017.