BARMM officials mandated to tend courtesy resignations

The move, according to the Chief Minister, is a response to "serious and grave complaints" regarding service delivery within the regional bureaucracy.  The aim is to improve efficiency and effectiveness ahead of the end of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) interim period, established in 2019.  This is the second such mass resignation order within the BARMM; former Chief Minister Ahod “Hadji Murad” Ebrahim issued a similar directive earlier this year.

 

Until their resignations are processed, officials are instructed to continue their duties, focusing on routine tasks that don't require discretionary decisions.  Those who fail to submit their resignations by the deadline will be considered automatically resigned.

 

The order has garnered significant attention, coinciding with Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia's planned on visit to the BARMM to oversee preparations for the October elections.  Garcia, while acknowledging the political nature of the decision, stated that Comelec will closely monitor the situation for potential implications on electoral preparations.

 

Comelec is reportedly considering the 6th Infantry Division camp in Awang, Maguindanao del Norte, as a potential operations and canvassing center.  A regional media center may also be established there.  A major challenge for Comelec involves the seven parliamentary seats allocated to Sulu, which the Supreme Court ruled is no longer part of the BARMM.  The poll body awaits regional legislation to address this issue.

 

In response, the BTA, led by Macacua, held public hearings in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi, to discuss proposed legislation amending the number of parliamentary seats. 

Garcia has reportedly communicated with President Marcos Jr., Supreme Court Chief Justice Gesmundo, Senate President Escudero, and House Speaker Romualdez, indicating Comelec's intent to proceed with 73 seats pending new legislation.