NEWS




17October

IGRB agrees to ensure uninterrupted services in Sulu amidst SC decision

The Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB) held its 20th meeting on October 11, resolving to guarantee uninterrupted government operations in Sulu amidst the Supreme Court's deliberation on the province's exclusion from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The Supreme Court's decision on September 9 ruled that Sulu is not part of BARMM based on the province's rejection of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) during the 2019 plebiscite. The BOL, which established BARMM's governance and political structure, was enacted on July 27, 2018.

Recognizing the potential challenges arising from this decision, the IGRB, composed of representatives from the National Government (NG) and Bangsamoro Government (BG), took immediate action to ensure a smooth transition for the people of Sulu.

Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman, IGRB Co-Chairperson for the National Government, affirmed the government's commitment to maintaining services in Sulu. 

"The national government will exert all efforts to ensure a smooth transition, taking a whole-of-government approach to continuously deliver essential services in the region," Pangandaman stated.

BARMM Education Minister and IGRB Co-Chairperson Mohagher Iqbal emphasized the need to safeguard the interests of Sulu's residents. He highlighted potential challenges such as the payment of salaries for teaching and non-teaching staff, asset management, and other operational matters.

In response, the IGRB agreed to establish a Technical Working Group (TWG) to develop guidelines for ensuring minimal disruption to essential services. The TWG will also provide recommendations on maintaining operational continuity as the Supreme Court's final decision is awaited.

The IGRB also resolved to coordinate with the Office of the Executive Secretary (OES) to issue a written directive to the affected offices of the Bangsamoro Government, National Government, and Local Government Unit (LGU) to ensure continued operations in Sulu.

The meeting, led by Pangandaman and Iqbal, saw the participation of Secretary Carlito Galvez from the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), and Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr.