COTABATO CITY – The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament has formally requested President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to appoint Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Antonio Lagdameo Jr. as the national government’s co-chairperson of the InterGovernmental Relations Body (IGRB).

Through Resolution No. 775, adopted on December 17, the Parliament endorsed Lagdameo to fill the vacancy left by the resignation of former Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman. This move is aimed at ensuring continuity in high-level engagement between the national government and the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as the region navigates its final transition.

 

Established under the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), the IGRB serves as the primary mechanism for coordinating and resolving issues between the national and regional governments through non-adversarial consultation and negotiation. Since 2019, the body has been instrumental in harmonizing fiscal policies, facilitating infrastructure development, and improving socio-economic cooperation, including the establishment of a Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) office in BARMM and the revival of DFA consular services in Cotabato City. The IGRB's operational reach was expanded in November 2023 with the activation of seven specialized mechanisms.

 

The request for Lagdameo's appointment comes at a crucial time, as BARMM prepares for its first regular elections on March 30, 2026, following legislative adjustments in early 2025. Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua is currently leading the BTA through these administrative and electoral preparations.

 

Members of the Parliament believe that appointing Lagdameo, a senior presidential adviser with close ties to the administration, would maintain the necessary momentum and high-level focus as the region evolves its governance structures. The resolution stated that continuity in IGRB leadership is necessary to support dialogue and anticipate issues.

 

If appointed, Lagdameo will co-chair the body alongside Bangsamoro Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal, who represents the BARMM government.