IP MPs-elect won't join any coalition, vow case-by-case votes

COTABATO CITY — The two Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples (NMIP) members-elect of the Bangsamoro Parliament said they will not join any coalition that would compromise their independence. They will instead decide confidence and supply, legislation, and other government measures case by case.

In a joint statement, Members of Parliament-elect Jo Genna Jover and Leticio Datuwata said their mandate comes from the Indigenous Political Structures (IPS) and the NMIP communities they represent. Their seats, they said, recognize the distinct identity, rights, and political participation of non-Moro indigenous peoples in the Bangsamoro.

"We shall remain independent and shall not enter into any coalition arrangement that would compromise the independence of our mandate," the statement said.

The two said their votes will turn on whether measures protect indigenous rights, ancestral domains, community security, cultural integrity, socioeconomic development, and meaningful participation in Bangsamoro governance.

They said they are prepared to work with the government of the day and other members of Parliament when that engagement advances legitimate community interests. The statement welcomed continued engagement "in the spirit of partnership, mutual respect, and inclusive Bangsamoro governance."

The declaration comes as political parties negotiate to form a majority in the 80-member Parliament, where no party won the 41 seats needed to elect a chief minister on its own.

Jover, a Teduray, and Datuwata, a Lambangian, were chosen on Aug. 25, 2026, through customary processes at a regional inter-tribal convention. They were not elected through the Sept. 14 party and district ballot. The Commission on Elections proclaimed them among the eight sectoral members of the first regular Parliament.

Under a rotation agreed upon by the tribes, the Teduray and Lambangian hold the two reserved NMIP seats for the first term. The Dulangan Manobo and Erumanen ne Menuvu are to follow, then the Higaonon and Blaan. Jover and Datuwata said they will also speak for the other NMIP groups.

Datuwata heads the Timuay Justice and Governance. Jover has worked on indigenous advocacy and peace programs, including at the Institute for Autonomy and Governance. In earlier interviews, both named ancestral domain protection, tribal self-governance, cultural heritage, and environmental conservation among their legislative priorities.

The Members of Parliament are set to assume office on Oct. 30, when the Parliament replaces the Bangsamoro Transition Authority and elects the region's chief minister.