BARMM approves P94.41-B budget for 2025

COTABATO CITY, BARMM, Philippines — The Bangsamoro Parliament approved on Tuesday night the P94.41-billion budget for next year that still included funds for Sulu to ensure the continuation of ongoing development projects in that province.

The Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 65 or the General Appropriations Act of the Bangsamoro was signed by Interim Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim during a ceremonial signing on Wednesday.

It was passed by 55 Members of the Parliament with one abstention.

READ: Without Sulu, the BARMM has no heart

Ebrahim earlier certified the P94.41 billion Bangsamoro Expenditure Program (BEP) for 2025 as urgent, as the bulk of it is earmarked for key sectors such as education, healthcare, infrastructure and social services, including funds for Sulu while national government agencies work on a transition plan following the Supreme Court’s decision that separates the province from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

Member of Parliament Mary Ann Arnado, chair of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) committee on finance, budget and management, said next year’s budget showed the BARMM’s government’s commitment to reducing poverty, boosting regional economic growth and improving human welfare.

The budget will be financed through an annual block grant, additional subsidies from the national government and revenues generated from national taxes and charges within the Bangsamoro territorial jurisdiction.

In the proposed budget, education remains the top priority with an allocation of P32.14 billion; followed by infrastructures with P11.43 billion; P7.43 billion for health; and P3.84 billion for social services and development. —Edwin O. Fernandez