Designing for Cooperative Intergovernmental Relations: Considerations for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao
By Amanda Cats-Baril
Constitution Building Advisor for Asia and the Pacific, International IDEA
November 06, 2019
The passage of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) represents great progress towards realization of the autonomy promised to the Bangsamoro in the 1987 Philippines Constitution (Article 10). That said, the BOL is merely the starting point for realizing BARMM’s right to self-determination; making this right, as well as the autonomy envisioned, meaningful will in large part depend on the tone and form of the relationships between BARMM and the central government of the Philippines. This is a matter of intergovernmental relations (IGR).
Too Premature for a Senate Inquiry on the Bangsamoro Law Implementation
By Atty. Bong Montesa
August 5, 2019
To conduct such inquiry at this time will not build confidence and will imperil a peace process that is still on-going.
Atty. Bong Montesa is a peace advocate active in the BARMM.
BARMM Interior Minister Naguib Sinarimbo on Bangsamoro Updates
via Rappler
August 8, 2019
After the formation of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), what has the new regional government achieved in building the foundation for a prosperous and peaceful Bangsamoro region? Rappler speaks with Bangsamoro Interior Minister Naguib Sinarimbo about the developments so far.
Oversight and Intergovernmental Relations in the Bangsamoro
By Atty. Ishak V. Mastura, LL.M.
COO, IDCI
August 3, 2019
The Philippines is a Unitary State. There is no more potent expression of this state of affairs than the Constitutional provision that all executive authority lies with the President. The President is the head of state and the head of government, while under our republican system the Executive branch of government is his exclusive turf.
The Philippines: Militancy and the New Bangsamoro
via International Crisis Group
June 27, 2019
The national government and the transition authority need to reach agreements on the latter’s relations with local governments. They should quickly establish the Intergovernmental Relations bodies that are supposed to clarify and mediate relations between the Bangsamoro autonomous region and both national and local authorities. Without such bodies operating, the risk is high that confusion and conflicts over powers and resources will stymie the interim authorities and their successor permanent structures’ performance.
Lidasan: Building a strong Bangsamoro foundation
via SUNSTAR DAVAO
June 11, 2019 | Mussolini S. Lidasan
This is why it is important to prioritize the establishment of the Intergovernmental Relations Mechanism/Body (IGR) of the BARMM. This will allow for a more thorough discussion and implementation of policies that are in line with the Philippine Constitution and its existing by-laws.
BARMM must not be treated like a regular LGU
via BUSINESSWORLD
May 8, 2019 | Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao or BARMM has been described as a “radical transformation” from its predecessor, the ARMM.
BTA member calls for immediate creation of national coordinating body
via BUSINESSWORLD
May 6, 2019
A BANGSAMORO Transition Authority (BTA) member has called on the national government to immediately set up the Intergovernmental Relations (IGR) Body that will facilitate…
BEYOND THE BEND: Proper use of IGR mechanisms is vital to the success of the BARMM
via MINDANEWS
March 28, 2019 | Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco
It cannot be emphasized enough that for the newly organized Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) the path ahead is extremely challenging.
BEYOND THE BEND: Asserting Bangsamoro Autonomy through the BOL
via MINDANEWS
October 21, 2018 | Michael Henry Ll. Yusingco
The implementation of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) will face many challenges, both legal and practical.
Bangsamoro – the Opposite of Brexit?
By Lewis Hawke
Lead Governance Specialist
World Bank, Philippines
September 16, 2019
As the deadline for Britain’s exit from the EU approaches, it makes me think of how fortunate we are in the Philippines to be able to resolve citizens’ desire for greater autonomy and self-determination through an orderly process, underpinned by a detailed law, and goodwill amongst stakeholders.
Instead of proposing withdrawing from the union, like UK, the Bangsamoro people have voted to “remain” and pursue their goals as an integral part of the Philippines Republic. This does not necessarily make the decisions or the transition any easier. In fact, there are many challenges for the people and the parliament of Bangsamoro. I would like to focus on just a few, with emphasis on financial management.
The Promise of an Enhanced Fiscal Autonomy
By Atty. Laisa Masuhud Alamia, CESE
Minority Leader and Member of Parliament
Bangsamoro Transition Authority
06 September 2019
The enactment of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (RA 11054) promises a stronger regional autonomy for the Bangsamoro. At its core, the law provides a new fiscal arrangement that vests an increased degree of fiscal autonomy to the Bangsamoro Government. It has expanded the sources of revenues to be tapped by the Government primarily through the annual block grant. This allows an automatic transfer from the national government equivalent to five percent (5%) of the net national internal revenue tax collection of the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the net collection of the Bureau of Customs from the third fiscal year immediately preceding the current fiscal year. As a result, it has given the Bangsamoro Government an expanded authority over its appropriations. This means that it now has the power to pass its annual appropriations law, departing from the previous approach of submitting it to Congress for review and approval. With this new arrangement, the needs of the Bangsamoro community will be addressed in a more immediate manner with a wider resource.
Annual Block Grant Advantages and Potential Challenges
By Hon. Engr. Baintan Adil Ampatuan
Member, Bangsamoro Transition Authority
August 30, 2019
It may be said that the budgetary process that the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) had to go through annually was contrary to the idea of autonomy. For indeed, it is incredible how an entity can achieve the essence of self-rule when its exercise of fiscal power is subject to certain procedures requiring close coordination with, if not the approval of the national government. Fortunately, this issue has been addressed in the passage of Republic Act No. 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).
Parliamentarism in BARMM: Important Considerations
By Millard O. Lim, M.A.
Part-Time Faculty of Political Science Department, Ateneo de Manila University
November 13, 2019
Article IV, Section 3 of Republic Act No. 11054, otherwise known as the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), states in explicit terms that “the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region shall have a parliamentary form of government.” This is repeated in Article VIII, Section 1 on the appointment of the Wali: “Consistent with a parliamentary form of government, there shall be a Wali who shall serve as the ceremonial head of the Bangsamoro Government.”