(Screengrab from RTVM)
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Friday called on members of the newly elected Bangsamoro Parliament to prioritize unity, cooperation and good governance to sustain peace and accelerate development in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Speaking during the inaugural session of the Bangsamoro Parliament at the Bangsamoro Government Center in Cotabato City, Marcos described the historic gathering as a major milestone in the region’s transition to a fully elected parliamentary government.
“This achievement belongs to all who have been involved, from the organization of political parties to the peaceful and transparent conduct of the elections to this day, the first session of the first duly elected Bangsamoro Parliament,” Marcos said.
He emphasized that the establishment of the elected Parliament marks a new phase of governance that requires political leaders to work together despite their differences.
“Today’s session also launches a new phase of parliamentary governance working within our broader presidential system. The new coalition must uphold unity, statesmanship, and cooperation to build a more peaceful and progressive BARMM,” he said.
The President acknowledged that securing the right to self-governance and successfully conducting parliamentary elections were significant achievements, but stressed that the greater challenge lies in delivering effective governance and meaningful development.
Addressing the 80 members of Parliament, Marcos urged them to honor the sacrifices of generations of Bangsamoro people who endured decades of armed conflict.
“To the members of this Parliament, never forget the struggle that people have endured. Serve with humility, carry the hopes of many generations and honor their sacrifices through good governance,” he said.
Marcos also welcomed the formation of a parliamentary majority and the agreement among members on the region’s leadership.
He noted that Parliament would elect a Chief Minister and Speaker, with the Chief Minister heading the executive branch and Cabinet alongside two Deputy Chief Ministers.
The President stressed that political stability must translate into improved public services, economic opportunities and responsible management of government resources.
“So, what does this all mean to the people of BARMM? A stable government means enacting laws and delivering programs and services responsive to the needs of the Bangsamoro people. It also means using public resources efficiently and transparently to create economic opportunities and strengthen regional development,” Marcos said.
He assured Bangsamoro leaders that the national government would continue supporting the region’s autonomy, democratic institutions and economic development initiatives.
Marcos also pledged to work closely with the newly formed regional government to expand economic opportunities across Mindanao.
“So let us walk forward, trusting in God and in one another, towards a Bangsamoro that is peaceful and prosperous,” he said.
Under Republic Act 11054, or the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the 80-member Parliament elects the Chief Minister through a majority vote of at least 41 members.
The Chief Minister heads the regional government, while Parliament is responsible for passing regional legislation, approving public expenditures and overseeing government programs.
BARMM was established in 2019 following the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which implemented key provisions of the 2014 Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front.
The inaugural session of the first elected Parliament marks another significant step in the implementation of the peace agreement and the region’s transition from an interim administration to a democratically elected government.
