President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. talks with BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim during the Inauguration of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament in Cotabato City on Thursday. (Screengrab from RTVM live feed)
COTABATO CITY — President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. on Thursday urged all leaders of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), especially the newly appointed members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), to work together for peace and progress.
Marcos, guest of honor during the inaugural session of the Second BTA, also urged the lawmakers to pass legislation on fiscal policy, particularly taxation.
He said his administration would catch up with the delays in providing the necessary finances for the BARMM halted by the pandemic in 2020 and 2021.
“With unity and solidarity, the BTA will be successful in facilitating the institution of Bangsamoro governance, one centered on promoting good governance and lasting peace,” he said.
He said the path to lasting peace was always under construction.
“But we walk this path together, and we walk it not because it is an easy one. We walk this path together because even if it is difficult, we know that at the end of the journey, [there is] historical justice, progress, peace, stability, and the unity that our people and nation had long aspired for,” he added.
He vowed to provide the fiscal requirements for BARMM.
“The national government, through the DBM, has allocated P74.4 billion for the Bangsamoro region fiscal year 2023,” Marcos said.
“I urge you to pass all the crucial legislations on fiscal policy, particularly taxation, and to facilitate the conduct of elections in the BARMM in 2025,” he said.
“I also encourage the BTA to pass measures that will secure the welfare of the Moro people, particularly in agri-fishery, healthcare, transportation, communication, digital infrastructure, and e-governance,” the President said.
Marcos also conveyed to BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim his administration’s support for the region and the Mindanao peace process.
In attendance was Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari, who was seated beside the President.
Also present were Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri, House Speaker Martin Romualdez, and Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos.
RELATED STORY
Marcos tells BTA: Gains in BARMM impressive, but there’s a long work …