Sulu lawmaker files five bills

COTABATO CITY ― Engr. Don Mustapha Loong has filed five significant bills in the plenary session aimed at strengthening the barangay local government units.

These proposed measures prioritize the enhancement of the barangay justice system, the promotion of traditional and customary laws, and the preservation of the region's rich cultural heritage.

Engr. Loong, the main author of the bills, stressed the critical role played by barangays in delivering basic services and serving as the first responders to governance for most constituents. The proposed measures seek to address key areas within the barangay system to ensure more effective governance and community development.

One of the bills, PB No. 170, known as the Lupong Tagapamayapa Act of 2023, seeks to institutionalize the "Best Lupon Tagapamayapa" award to honor outstanding contributions to the barangay justice system in the region.

The criteria, qualifications, and disqualifications for the award, along with its accompanying incentives such as plaques, medals, monetary grants, and invitations to regional events, will be determined by BARMM's Interior and Local Government Ministry.

Engr. Loong emphasized the importance of recognizing and appreciating the efforts of the Lupon Tagapamayapa, which play a vital role in resolving conflicts at the grassroots level through the barangay justice system.

Another bill, PB No. 174, focuses on the creation of a Barangay Justice System Multi-Sectoral Traditional and Customary Laws Advisory Council in each barangay of every city and municipality in the region.

The council, composed of representatives from various sectors including local government, law enforcement, purok leaders, religious leaders, indigenous peoples, women, and persons with disabilities, will provide specialized information and expertise on traditional and customary laws to assist the barangay justice system implementers in settling local disputes.

Engr. Loong's PB No. 172, the Alay sa Lupon Act of 2023, mandates the formulation and publication of the Katarungang Pambarangay handbook which will be translated into the major languages of the region and developed by the BARMM's MILG.

A Federation of Lupong Tagapamayapa will be established in each province, city, and municipality to share best practices in mediation and conciliation, discuss challenges, and enhance the implementation of the Katarungang Pambarangay provisions of the Local Governance Code of 1991 and the Bangsamoro Local Governance Code, according to PB No. 173.

The Federation will determine its representation in the Peace and Order Councils of their respective city, municipal, and provincial leaders, the sharing of best practices in mediation and conciliation, and the discussion of issues, challenges, and solutions pertinent to the implementation of the Katarungang Pambarangay provisions of the Local Governance Code of 1991 and the Bangsamoro Local Governance Code.

Recognizing the importance of education in preserving and transmitting culture, PB No. 171, the Bangsamoro Culture Studies Act of 2023, proposes the integration of a separate subject on Bangsamoro and Indigenous People's Culture, Traditions, Customs, and Beliefs into the secondary education curriculum of all public and private schools in the Bangsamoro region.

Engr. Loong highlights that education plays a vital role in passing on cultural knowledge, traditions, language, and other forms of cultural identity.

"It is through education that cultural knowledge and values are passed on from one generation to the next. Education helps to pass on the traditions and customs of a culture, as well as the language and other forms of communication used to express cultural identity," he added.

Under the proposed measure, the BARMM's Basic, Higher, and Technical Education Ministry will be responsible for implementing these provisions, including the development and printing of appropriate primers, readers, and textbooks.

The five bills are co-authored by MPs Atty. Laisa Alamia, Benjamin Loong, Engr. Baintan Ampatuan, Atty. Rasol Mitmug, Amilbahar Mawallil, Atty. Suharto Ambolodto, Rasul Ismael, Atty. John Anthony Lim, Hatimil Hassan, Bai Maleiha Candao, Suwaib Oranon, Abdulaziz Amenoden, Eddie Alih, Tawakkal Midtimbang, Tarhata Maglangit, Michael Midtimbang, Atty. Jose Lorena, Abdulkarim Misuari, Nurredha Misuari, Matarul Estino,  Nabila Margarita Pangandaman, and Ramon Piang Sr. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)