Residents of Special Geographic Area (SGA) favor the creation of eight municipalities during the plebiscite held on April 13, 2024. (Benyamen Cabuntalan/BIO)
COTABATO CITY—Bangsamoro Government Spokesperson Mohd Asnin Pendatun disclosed on Monday, May 27, that the possibility of turning the Special Geographic Areas (SGA) into a province, including the creation of its congressional districts, requires support from the National Government.
“It is beyond the power of the regional government to create one, so we highly need the help of the National Government for those,” Pendatun, who is also the Cabinet Secretary of the Bangsamoro Government, said during Monday’s Usapang Bangsamoro press conference here.
He stated that initial talks are in progress with pertinent legislators in the National Government, seeking the championing of the province and district creations.
“For the bigger political entity, which is higher than the municipality, its creation is an act of the National Government; hence, we need the act of the Congress for creating a province and, ultimately, even the congressional districts,” he added.
On the other hand, Pendatun shared that the initial phase—paper evaluation—for the to-be-appointed SGA Officers-in-Charge (OICs) has already concluded, proceeding now to the Committee level.
On April 13, 2024, the SGA conducted plebiscite for the creation of new SGA towns, which are Pahamuddin, Kadayangan, Nabalawag, Old Kaabakan, Kapalawan, Malidegao, Tugunan, and Ligawasan.
As announced by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), a total of 72,358 residents favored the establishment of the eight new SGA municipalities, equivalent to 81.10 percent of the total registered voters, or 89,564 individuals, and only 273 people voted in the contrary.
The Spokesperson mentioned that the paper evaluation primarily centered on the Secretariat’s checking of the applicants’ qualifications, especially in complying with the minimum requirements.
“The paper evaluation was already finished, and after the process, the Committee will conduct a meeting, which I hope will result in a decision made, and if not, subsequent and follow-up interviews will be scheduled if the Body deems it necessary,” he highlighted.
He continued that before or on the 45th day upon the release of the result, the proposal will be issued. He further expressed his optimism that Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim’s decision will follow thereafter.
Evolving a strong, responsive, and relevant BARMM bureaucracy is the first priority agenda of CM Ebrahim. (Johamin Inok/BIO)
