P42M released to the Bangsamoro Transition Commission

MANILA, Philippines—The government is shoring up its peace-building efforts in Mindanao with the release of P42 million to the Bangsamoro Transition Commission (BTC).

Budget Secretary Florencio B. Abad said in a statement P25 million of the amount accounted for the BTC’s operating expenses and P17 million would answer for the salaries and benefits, particularly for 16 officials appointed to the commission.

Abad said the fund release would cover the BTC’s initial budgetary requirements, adding that P29 million of the total has been given out as cash.

He added that the P42 million was part of P100 million that President Benigno Aquino III earmarked for the BTC.

“The Aquino administration has already mobilized the necessary talent and resources to establish the commission and ensure its success in drafting the Bangsamoro Basic Law,” Abad said.

“We are taking the necessary steps towards supporting the realization of a truly united, accountable and participative Bangsamoro,” he added.

Last March, the Department of Budget and Management released P1.5 billion for various infrastructure projects—including national roads and bridges—in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao amid ongoing work on the Bangsamoro peace framework.

In January, the DBM gave out P745.5 million for peace and development efforts for the ARMM through the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Pamana or the Peace and Bountiful Community) program.

Pamana delivers social services to conflict-affected communities, and links these communities to markets for job generation and for easier flow of goods and services through vital infrastructures like farm-to-market roads.

The January fund was earmarked for various projects that include support for development in settlement sites in the ARMM, the disposition of arms and forces, and the construction of strategic roads and public infrastructure.

On Wednesday, Abad said the national government’s fiscal program for 2013 provided for the distribution of infrastructure projects to the five provinces of the ARMM based on a list drawn up by the regional governor and as may be recommended by local chief executives.

The ARMM includes the provinces of Sulu, Basilan, Tawi-Tawi, Maguindanao and Lanao del Sur.