The Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB), co-chaired by BARMM Education Minister Mohagher Iqbal and Budget Secretary and Amenah Pangandaman during the 20th IGRB Meeting on Oct. 11, 2024 in Pasig City. (Michael Camsa/BIO)
PASIG CITY—The Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB) of the National Government (NG) and Bangsamoro Government (BG) convened its 20th meeting on Oct. 11, 2024, to discuss measures to ensure the uninterrupted operation of government services in Sulu amidst the Supreme Court’s decision on the province’s exclusion from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
During the meeting, both the NG and BG emphasized the need to maintain essential government operations in Sulu while awaiting the Supreme Court’s final ruling.
The court, in a unanimous decision on Sept. 9, 2024, declared that Sulu is not part of BARMM, following the province’s rejection of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) during the 2019 plebiscite, where 54% voted against its ratification.
The BOL, enacted on July 27, 2018, serves as the legal foundation for BARMM’s creation, outlining its political framework and governance structure.
BARMM Education Minister and IGRB Co-Chairperson Mohagher Iqbal stressed the importance of a unified approach during this transition period.
“As we await the ultimate outcome of the judicial process, it is incumbent upon us to adopt a collective approach to safeguard the rights, hopes, and well-being of the people of Sulu,” Iqbal said.
He also underscored the implications of the Supreme Court decision on issues such as salary disbursements for teaching and non-teaching personnel, asset management, and other operational concerns.
“The people of Sulu are integral to the Bangsamoro’s shared history, and their contributions to our struggle for self-determination must not be overlooked,” Iqbal added.
Budget Secretary and IGRB Co-Chairperson Amenah Pangandaman reiterated the National Government’s commitment to a smooth transition and sustained operations in the region.
“As I have stated, rest assured that the National Government, under the leadership of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., will exert all efforts to ensure a smooth transition, adopting a whole-of-government approach to maintain the delivery of essential services,” Pangandaman said.
To prevent disruptions to government services, the IGRB resolved that all concerned agencies from both the National and Bangsamoro governments will continue to fulfill their mandates and functions in Sulu.
A Technical Working Group (TWG) will also be created to develop guidelines and a transition plan to facilitate the seamless continuation of services.
The IGRB, established under Section 2, Article VI of the BOL, is tasked with operationalizing intergovernmental mechanisms and facilitating coordination between the NG and BG.
Through regular consultations and negotiations, the body aims to address issues and achieve mutual goals for both governments. (Kasan Usop, Jr./BIO)
