NEWS
28September
Sen. Zubiri: Sulu's return to BARMM possible thru legislative act
- Sep 28, 2024
- Taher G. Solaiman
- HITS: 210
Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri has suggested that Sulu province could be re-included in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) through a legislative act of Congress.
Speaking at the "Kapihan sa Manila Bay" on September 25, Zubiri said, "If Sulu desires to be included in the BARMM again, they can go to the Senate and ask for the amendment of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL)."
The Supreme Court ruled on September 9 to sever Sulu from the BARMM, following the 2019 plebiscite where 54% of Sulu voters rejected inclusion in the autonomous region.
The BOL, which established the BARMM, states that any amendment, revision, or repeal of the organic law requires a law enacted by the Philippine Congress.
The exclusion of Sulu has led to several consequences, including the halting of non-obligated infrastructure operations and the suspension of salary payments to Sulu employees, pending compliance with documentary requirements.
While Sulu employees will continue receiving their salaries for 2024, subject to completing required documentation, the Bangsamoro government is exploring legal options regarding Sulu's current status.
Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim acknowledged the exclusion of Sulu from the BARMM's territory and governance, but emphasized that Sulu remains an integral part of the Bangsamoro identity and history.
Zubiri's statement opens the possibility of Sulu's re-inclusion in the BARMM through a legislative process, potentially leading to a new round of discussions and negotiations between the Bangsamoro government and the national government.
Time in Cotabato
Most Read
Categories
- DEMOCRACY IS THE NEXT PATH: OUR TRANSFORMATION FROM AN ARMED REVOLUTIONARY ORGANIZATION TO A SOCIAL MOVEMENT
- UBJP Statement on the Supreme Court's Ruling Detaching the Province of Sulu from BARMM
- Statement of Minister Mohagher M. Iqbal chairman of the MILF Peace Implementing Panel on the Issuance of Presidential proclamation No. 405 granting amnesty to the MILF members
