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13November
Padilla files bill creating Kutawato Province in BARMM
- Nov 13, 2024
- Taher G. Solaiman
- HITS: 568
Senator Robinhood "Robin" Padilla has filed a bill seeking to create a special province within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), aiming to ensure the constitutional right to suffrage for residents of 63 "orphaned" barangays.
Senate Bill 2875, filed on Monday, November 11, proposes the establishment of Kutawato Province, encompassing 63 barangays from the municipalities of Carmen, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pigcawayan, Pikit, and Aleosan in the Province of Cotabato. These barangays opted to join BARMM in 2019 through a plebiscite.
"The establishment of the Special Geographic Area (SGA) reflects the historic aspirations of these 63 barangays," Padilla stated in his bill.
Kutawato Province will comprise the eight municipalities of Pahamuddin, Kadayangan, Nabalawag, Old Kaabakan, Kapalawan, Malidegao, Tugunan, and Ligawasan, with Pahamuddin serving as the proposed capital.
Padilla highlighted the current situation where voters in these barangays are unable to cast their ballots due to their lack of affiliation with any existing province. He voiced concerns that this situation violates their constitutional right to suffrage, as enshrined in the 1987 Constitution.
"This bill thus proposes to create an SGA under the BARMM to be known as the Kutawato Province, to be composed of the eight (8) abovementioned municipalities with Pahamuddin as its proposed capital," the bill states.
It outlines the powers and functions of the proposed provincial government, including revenue generation, taxation, and land use regulations, aligning with the provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991.
Padilla emphasized the need to streamline the delivery of basic services and enhance local government operations within the SGA, stating that "The creation of Kutawato Province aims to safeguard against the disenfranchisement of residents by ensuring their access to adequate and effective government services."
The bill is expected to undergo thorough deliberation in the Senate, with the aim of addressing the unique situation of these 63 barangays and ensuring their full participation in the democratic process.
Time in Cotabato
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