MANILA, Philippines — The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament has advanced a transparent and participatory joint public consultation on the proposed districting bills for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which will serve as the foundational law for the first-ever Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) next year.
The consultation, led by Member of Parliament (MP) Butch Malang, was held in Midsayap, North Cotabato, and attended by leaders from the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of BARMM.
Malang acknowledged representatives from various sectors and emphasized that the consultation reflects a commitment to transparent governance, inclusive decision-making, and genuine public participation.
“This consultation is not merely a procedural requirement. It is a commitment to transparent governance, inclusive decision-making, and genuine public participation. Values at the heart of the Bangsamoro’s pursuit of lasting peace through moral governance,” Malang said.
He reiterated that redistricting involves more than drawing lines on a map, describing it as a process tied to representation, service delivery, and equitable development to ensure every community has a fair and effective voice in the Bangsamoro Parliament.
“It is about representation, service delivery, equitable development, and ensuring that every community, large or small, has a fair and effective voice in the Bangsamoro Parliament. We are shaping structures that will influence the region for years, even generations to come,” he added.
The Parliament noted that the success of the districting bills depends heavily on active community engagement, particularly in the SGA, where leaders highlighted the importance of thoroughly consulting residents.
As discussions progressed, officials affirmed that all viewpoints starting from LGUs to sectoral representatives would be heard and considered in consolidating the districting bills.
MP Malang also assured the public that their sentiments would be brought to Parliament as part of the legislative process.
“Makikinig kami kung ano po ang gusto ninyo pagdating sa districting bills. Ito ang primary purpose natin dito. Papakinggan namin at dadalhin para sa consideration na pag-consolidate sa mga districting bills,” Malang said.
At the close of the consultation, Malang noted that it is now almost certain the SGA-BARMM will be allotted two seats in the future Parliament, as five of the six pending bills support the two-seat model for the region.
The event featured messages from local leaders and MPs, all calling for unity, cooperation, and an informed public voice as BARMM moves toward finalizing its district configurations.
