PATIKUL, SULU — Deputy Speaker Atty. Nabil Tan emphasized the importance of the Bangsamoro Electoral Code as a “vehicle for uniting the Bangsamoro people.”

On the first day of public consultation in Sulu for the proposed electoral code, Deputy Speaker Tan assured that the Bangsamoro people, the underserved, and the less privileged will have a voice in the legislative process.

The electoral code, which was filed by the Government of the Day, will set forth the structural, functional, and procedural principles in the elections of officers in the Bangsamoro region.

Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, municipal mayors and vice mayors, and government stakeholders all had questions and suggestions for improving the proposed measure.

Deputy Speaker Tan said that “we can earn the confidence and trust of the Bangsamoro people” through the continuous efforts of the Bangsamoro government to serve its constituents.

Meanwhile, Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan said the Bangsamoro government should protect the rights of the Bangsamoro people and would not neglect their interests, especially in Sulu.

“We will not be here forever; this is an opportunity given to you to serve your race—not only the constituents of today but your race—the Bangsa Sug race,” the Sulu governor added.

Deputy Speaker Atty. Omar Yasser Sema assured the constituents that the electoral code is “inclusive, constitutional, and legal.”

The Committee on Rules extended the deadline for the submission of position papers until January 20, 2023, to give ample time for stakeholders to read and review the proposed code.

“We should not sacrifice the quality and come up with a haphazard law with less participation and comments,” said MP Tan.

Simultaneous public consultations on the proposed electoral code were held in Basilan and Tawi-Tawi, today, December 5.

The first public consultation was held in Manila on October 20 and 21, with experts from the Commission on Elections, election watchdogs, civil society organizations, and other key stakeholders.

Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim committed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. that the region’s electoral and local governance codes would be enacted in the first quarter of 2023.

Under the BOL, the BTA must enact seven priority codes, including administrative, civil service, electoral, education, revenue, local governance, and Indigenous people’s rights.

The public consultation for the proposed electoral code will resume on Wednesday, December 7, to be attended by non-government stakeholders. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)