COTABATO CITY – Local government officials and various civil society organizations here and in the BARMM Special Geographic Area have expressed their full support for the passage of the proposed Bangsamoro Local Governance Code, which will establish clear directions between the local government units and the Bangsamoro government.
The Committee on
Local Government held simultaneous public consultations for BTA Bill No. 30 in
Cotabato City and the BARMM Special Geographic Area. Those who participated in
the fourth leg of consultations voiced their support on the proposed Code.
The proposed 221-page
Code is divided into four books, such as general provisions, local taxation and
fiscal matters, local government units, and miscellaneous and final provisions.
According to Member
of the Parliament Matarul Estino, BTA Bill No. 30 will strengthen the
supervisory power of the Bangsamoro government through the Ministry of Interior
and Local Government.
The salient features
of the code, including devolution, official qualification and disqualification,
the distinction between local and regional autonomy, and the proportion of
regional taxes, fees, and charges collected, were presented to aid stakeholders
in understanding the proposed Code.
In a message
delivered by City Legal Officer Atty. Sahara Alia Silongan, Cotabato City Mayor
Mohammad Ali Matabalao expressed his strong support for the passage of the
bill. “For local autonomy to be effective, it must amount to effective
authority for local government units to decide matters concerning local
affairs,” Mayor Matabalao said. “This public consultation is a proactive
measure that will optimize our region’s future—to plan, build, and support
sustainable communities.”
Executive Director of
the Moro Women Development and Cultural Center, Inc., Baina Samayatin, also
supports the bill’s passage and emphasizes the importance of educating local
governments about the importance of CSO participation in achieving transparent
and accountable governance.
Mahatma Sangacala, a
member of the Local Executive Board of the United Voices for Peace Network,
recommends the inclusion of CSOs in the Local Peace and Order Council.
Duma Mascud of the
United Bangsamoro Justice Party in the BARMM SGA said that after voting to join
the BARMM, they had easier access to Bangsamoro government programs. He also
lauded the inclusion of women in the provisions of the proposed Code.
Charima Mentoc, the
representative of the Bangsamoro women in the BARMM SGA, is also fully
committed to supporting the BLGC. She said that if the BLGC is approved, the
constituencies in the BARMM SGA will have more access to the program, services,
and other benefits for the Bangsamoro people.
“It will give us
opportunities, provide enhanced safety and security, and other welfare that the
LGU can offer. We are very thankful now for what we have in the Special
Geographic Area, but with our proposals, we envision more transparent, just,
and progressive governance,” Mentoc said.
BTA Bill No. 30
defines the list of essential services provided by the province, city,
municipality, and barangay to avoid overlapping functions and responsibilities.
MP Kelie Antao, CLG
vice-chair, said that the committee will start deliberating the proposed code
this March. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations
Division)
No comments:
Post a Comment