 The new province was represented in the Interim Batasang Pambansa as part of Region IX from 1978 to 1984.Tawi-Tawi first gained separate representation in 1984 when it returned one representative, elected at large, to the Regular Batasang Pambansa.Under the new Constitution which was proclaimed on February 11, 1987, the province constituted a lone congressional district, and elected its member to the restored House of Representatives starting that same year.