Photo by Faisal Camsa Jr./BIO
COTABATO CITY—Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, on Monday’s opening of the 2nd regular session of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), urged the members of the parliament to expedite the passage of priority bills and shared Government of the Day’s legislative priority agenda.
During Monday’s ceremonial opening session, Ebrahim shared that the enactment of the Bangsamoro Electoral Code (BEC) in March made the regional government enact four laws entrusted to the parliament.
Referring to the priority codes stipulated in the Republic Act 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), Ebrahim cited, “These codes and other priority legislations are meant to complete the organizational and legal structures for the regular Bangsamoro government”.
Still on the pipeline, Ebrahim specifically cited the Local Government Code which he urged legislators to fast track, and the Revenue Code, which, he said, was being drafted by technical and legal drafters and is expected to be filed before the lawmakers.
Along with the priority codes, Ebrahim also shared his legislative agenda for the second regular session.
“Today, as we gather to open the 2nd regular session of the new BTA, it is my honor to report to you our priority agenda for the new legislative calendar,” Ebrahim said.
These included an inclusive and widely acceptable Indigenous People’s (IP) code, preservation of cultural heritage, and holiday acts as the region also commemorates specific important dates, among others.
Ebrahim also recognized the nationally funded program implemented in the region hence he pushed for the immediate approval of a law providing for a revolving fund for the salaries and wages of pertinent workers which are often delayed due to administrative arrangements.
“As emphasized in one hadith (actions, approvals, or attributes that have been narrated from Prophet Mohammad peace be upon him), it is imperative for us to pay the workers their dues before their sweats have dried up. As such, I expect the full support of my dear colleagues for the immediate passage of this law,” the Chief Minister said.
He also mentioned laws pertaining to the budget system, investment code, labor code, and even the creation of the Lake Lanao Development Authority (LLDA) and the establishment of Government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs).
In terms of education, the Chief Minister also eyes the establishment of the Bangsamoro Science High School to harness technology and innovation to increase socioeconomic opportunities and improve our services in the Bangsamoro region along with the strengthening the MMA Act 164 otherwise known as the Regional Madrasah Graduate Education Act of 2003.
He also called on the BTA parliament to support the enactment of laws pertaining to the rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs), the Magna Carta for persons with disabilities, and a gender and development code that is responsive to the gender issues and consistent within the context of the region.
As he ended his speech, Ebrahim calls on everyone to finish what have been started.
“Ladies and gentlemen, let us finish what we have all started. Building a government worthy of the name ‘Bangsamoro’ is our most vital duty,” he said. (Abdullah Matucan/BIO)
