FILE PHOTO
COTABATO CITY — Members of the interim parliament of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) have ditched the tags of majority and minority while organizing themselves into committees.
The parliament opened its first regular session–following the inaugural–on Tuesday, electing deputy floor leaders and committee chairs.
Reelected Speaker, Pangalian Balindong, presided over the session with the newly installed floor leader, Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba, nominating the members to oversee their respective committees.
As the floor leader, Alba also chairs the committee on rules.
Lawyers Raissa Jajurie, Mary Ann Arnado, Anna Tarhata Basman, and Jose Lorena were the first to be elected as deputy floor leaders.
During their inaugural session on September 15, parliament officers were elected, including Hatimil Hassan, Omar Yasser Sema, Paisalin Tago, Abdulkarim Misuari, Nabil Tan, Lanang Ali Jr., and Benjamin Loong as Deputy Speakers.
Raby Angkal was elected Secretary-General while Abdulgani Caludtiag as Sergeant-at-Arms. Both are not members of parliament.
Under the parliamentary rules, procedures, and practices, the BTA committees will consider, recommend, and draw reports concerning the disposition of bills, resolutions, and other preparatory works before presenting them to the plenary sessions.
All committees have oversight functions and responsibilities to ensure that concerned ministries implement laws, policies, and programs addressing specific concerns in their respective jurisdictions.
They also have the power to initiate legislation by drafting a bill or resolution and introducing it in the plenary session. It will be known as a committee bill or resolution.
The committees may also hold public hearings and consultations to gather information, facts, and a wider perspective on any legislative measures from professional and expert opinions, organizations, and the public.
RELATED STORY:
Marcos tells BTA: Gains in BARMM impressive, but more remains to be done