MANILA, Philippines – Kumpiyansa si Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. na handa ang mga lider ng Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) sa mga pagsubok na dala ng desisyon ng Korte Suprema na hindi isama ang probinsya ng Sulu sa autonomous region.
“We … acknowledge the high court’s ruling on the exclusion of the Province of Sulu from the BARMM. In light of this decision, the national government stands in full support of the BARMM leadership headed by Chief Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, as it navigates the implications of this ruling and continues to uphold its mandate of serving the Bangsamoro people,” saad sa pahayag ni Galvez.
“Having existed as an autonomous entity for over five years, the Bangsamoro government has demonstrated its ability to manage the complexities of governance and development. We are confident that it will respond to the high court’s (ruling) with the same strength, resilience, and wisdom that has defined its journey thus far,” dagdag pa niya.
Sa kabila ng ruling, sinabi ng liderato ng BARMM na handa itong isulong ang kauna-unahang regional parliamentary elections sa susunod na taon.
“As we face the reality of this ruling, we are disheartened to see our progress set back. With the 2025 elections approaching and critical legislation yet to be finalized, this decision forces us to confront the challenge of reassessing and redrafting our laws,” ayon kay Bangsamoro Parliament Speaker Pangalian Balindong.
Iginiit din niya ang patuloy na pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga lider ng Sulu upang tugunan ang legislative gaps na nilikha sa desisyon ng Korte Suprema.
Nauna nang nanawagan si Deputy Speaker Omar Yasser Sema sa parliament para sa reapportion ng pitong parliamentary district seats sa Sulu upang magpatuloy pa rin ang 2025 regional polls.
Ayon sa Commission on Elections, ang pag-aalis sa Sulu mula sa BARMM ay nagpababa ng parliament seats sa 73, sa halip na 80, dahil ang district seats ay nabawasan din sa 25 sa halip na 32.
“We call on our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters to embrace this Supreme Court ruling with a positive outlook as a testament to the strength of the rule of law and democracy in our country. As we move forward, united in our pursuit of lasting peace and prosperity, we believe that the challenges along the way will only make us stronger as a people and as a nation,” ani Galvez. RNT/JGC
