Peace adviser confident BARMM leaders up to challenges of Sulu exit

Carlito Galvez Jr., Presidential peace adviser| | PHOTO: Voltaire F. Domingo/Senate PRIB

ILIGAN CITY—Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. is confident that the leaders of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are up to the challenges posed by the Supreme Court decision excluding the province of Sulu from the autonomous region.

“We … acknowledge the high court’s ruling on the exclusion of the Province of Sulu from the BARMM. In light of this decision, the national government stands in full support of the BARMM leadership headed by Chief Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, as it navigates the implications of this ruling and continues to uphold its mandate of serving the Bangsamoro people,” Galvez said in a statement.

“Having existed as an autonomous entity for over five years, the Bangsamoro government has demonstrated its ability to manage the complexities of governance and development. We are confident that it will respond to the high court’s (ruling) with the same strength, resilience, and wisdom that has defined its journey thus far,” Galvez added.

Amid the ruling, the BARMM leadership had committed to push through with the first regional parliamentary elections next year.

“As we face the reality of this ruling, we are disheartened to see our progress set back. With the 2025 elections approaching and critical legislation yet to be finalized, this decision forces us to confront the challenge of reassessing and redrafting our laws,” said Bangsamoro Parliament Speaker Pangalian Balindong.

He also emphasized the need for continued engagement with leaders of Sulu to address the legislative gaps created by the Supreme Court’s decision.

Deputy Speaker Omar Yasser Sema earlier called for parliament to reapportion the seven parliamentary district seats of Sulu so that the 2025 regional polls will push through.

The Commission on Elections said the exclusion of Sulu from BARMM had reduced the parliament seats to 73, instead of 80, as the district seats were reduced to 25, instead of 32.

With the reallocation of Sulu’s district seats, the gap can be addressed, Sema had explained.

“We call on our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters to embrace this Supreme Court ruling with a positive outlook as a testament to the strength of the rule of law and democracy in our country. As we move forward, united in our pursuit of lasting peace and prosperity, we believe that the challenges along the way will only make us stronger as a people and as a nation,” Galvez said.