PATIKUL, SULU — Public accountability and transparency are two fundamental principles in framing the proposed Bangsamoro Local Governance Code that will govern the autonomous region and the Bangsamoro people, according to Deputy Speaker Benjamin Loong during the public consultation for the said code.

The BTA Bill No. 30, or the Bangsamoro Local Governance Code, filed by the Government of the Day, will provide a clear direction between the local government units and the Bangsamoro government.

To gather suggestions and recommendations, provincial chief executives, Sangguniang Panlalawigan members, municipal mayors, vice mayors, and government stakeholders participated in the public consultation in Patikul, Sulu.

In order to “better aid in the formulation of the proposed code,” Deputy Speaker Loong reassured the officials that they would carefully consider all of the feedback, comments, and concerns made by the resource persons.

“We are confident that you are here to listen and hear us, and assure us that this will be demonstrated in the final drafting of these codes, such as the local governance code and other codes,” said Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan.

The governor said that they will submit their position papers to enhance the proposed code for the benefit of both the local government and their constituents.

“We, Muslims, must be sincere in our efforts to bring peace and development to our region,” Governor Tan said, noting that the shared faith in Islam binds the people together.

Reiterating that the proposed legislation must be free of constitutional and legal flaws, Deputy Speaker Atty. Omar Yasser Sema said, “the constitutionality of this proposed law is not the end that we seek in this consultation.”

“In accordance with our desire for self-governance and self-determination, we must strive hard to write these aspirations into this proposed law,” he continued.

Vice-Governor Abdusakur Tan II also expressed his optimism for the proposed code, which mandates the local government units to deliver basic services to their constituents, such as agriculture, health, social, and environmental.

He expressed gratitude to the BTA for passing hospital bills that would establish hospitals in Sulu during the first parliament.

Deputy Speakers Atty. Paisalin Tago, Atty. Nabil Tan, and Abdulkarim Misuari, Deputy Floor Leaders Atty. Jose Lorena and Atty. Anna Tarhata Basman, and MPs Tarhata Maglangit and Engr. Don Mustapha Loong were also present during the event.

The deadline for the submission of position papers for the BLGC has been extended to January 20, 2023, and there will be another round of public consultation with non-government stakeholders on December 8. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)