COTABATO CITY ― The Bangsamoro Parliament approved Government Bill Nos. 265 and 266 on its third and final reading, granting an extension for the utilization of the 2023 budget and the Special Development Fund (SDF) until December 2024.
 
Government Bill No. 265, which received a 46-1-1 vote, ensures the continued validity of the Special Development Fund for 2020–2023.
 
As stated in the Bangsamoro Organic Law, the national government will grant the Bangsamoro government an SDF of P50 billion over a 10-year period for the rebuilding, rehabilitation, and development of its conflict-affected communities in the region.
 
The fund’s utilization will align with the Bangsamoro Development Plan, a strategic blueprint adopted by the Bangsamoro government.
 
The bill emphasizes that all appropriations will be available for release and obligation until December 31, 2024, and available for disbursement until fully expended.
 
In addition, the 2023 SDF will retain its availability for release and obligation until December 31, 2025, with disbursement permitted until the funds are fully utilized.
 
Similarly, Government Bill No. 266, which garnered a 45-1-0 vote, amends Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 32, extending the authorization for the continued use of general appropriations for the current year until December 31, 2024.
 
The approved measure outlines that all appropriations obligated as of the specified date for infrastructure capital outlays, maintenance and operating expenses (MOOE), and other capital outlays will remain available until fully expended.
 
At the end of the validity period, all unreleased appropriations will lapse.
 
Unspent and undisbursed funds will be reverted to the Bangsamoro Treasury and allocated to the Special Fund for reappropriation.
 
Personnel services and MOOE under general administration and support are only valid for obligations within the current year.
 
The bills, filed by the Government of the Day, authorize the Finance, Budget, and Management Ministry to issue necessary guidelines for the effective implementation of the said measures.
 
Bangsamoro lawmakers expressed optimism that these bills would prevent unnecessary delays in delivering projects to the Bangamoro people, particularly those living in areas hit hard by conflicts.
 
They stressed that these measures should guarantee the continuation of programs and projects vital to the development and growth of the Bangsamoro region. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)