COTABATO CITY — As the Bangsamoro Transition Authority formally opened its fourth regular session, the four remaining priority codes stated in the Bangsamoro Organic Law will be the main focus of the Parliament.
“We shall prioritize the passage of the remaining priority codes and other important legislation reflected in the legislative agenda,” BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim said during his address on the ceremonial opening of the fourth regular session.
With 53 members of Parliament present and 17 others participating via teleconference, Bangsamoro Wali Sheikh Khalifa Usman Nando led the beating of the agong at 2:14 p.m., signaling the opening of the fourth regular session.
The Bangsamoro Local Governance Code, Indigenous Peoples’ Rights Act, Electoral Code, and Revenue Code are the remaining priority codes. They also passed six other bills and 92 resolutions during the third regular session.
Chief Minister Ebrahim also said that the government of the day enhanced its 12-point priority agenda for 2023–2025, which includes stronger BARMM bureaucracy; digital infrastructure and e-governance; revenue generation and economic comparative advantage; agri-fishery productivity and food security; investment in transportation, communication, and other strategic infrastructure; social protection and universal healthcare; disaster resilience and climate-change adaptation; quality and holistic education; support to Marawi rehabilitation; peace, justice, and security; and Bangsamoro culture, heritage, and diversity.
“This 12-point priority agenda shall shape the budget, legislation, programs, and policies of our region as we move to the next chapter of the transition period,” Chief Minister Ebrahim added.
“Last year, we inaugurated Bangsamoro’s Development Plan. Let us keep our eye on the ball as they say and be reminded of the objectives, we have set for ourselves and for our people,” Speaker Atty. Pangalian Balindong said.
Aside from the priority codes, Majority Leader Atty. Lanang Ali Jr. noted that the Parliament will pass measures on securing the welfare and development, promoting labor and employment, and ensuring peace and security.
By June of this year, the Parliament is also eyeing to pass the Bangsamoro Sustainable Development Board and Ranao Development Act.
During the third regular session, 120 bills and 286 resolutions were filed in the plenary. Of this number, 6 bills and 92 resolutions were approved. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)