Lawmakers propose bill to create Municipality of Bonggo in Maguindanao del Norte

COTABATO CITY ― To further empower its constituents and address their unique needs, Bangsamoro lawmakers have introduced Parliament Bill No. 247, proposing the establishment of the Municipality of Bonggo in Maguindanao del Norte.

Members of Parliament Suwaib Oranon, Tawakal Midtimbang, Mudjib Abu, and Mohammad Kelie Antao are leading this initiative, which they said is in accordance with the provisions of the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

As outlined in the BOL, the Bangsamoro Government has the power to create, divide, merge, abolish, or substantially alter the boundaries of municipalities or barangays as necessary to serve the best interests of its people through legislation passed by the Parliament.

The Municipality of Bonggo, once established, will cover a total land area of 66,444,977 square meters and consist of 10 barangays, including Landasan (Sarmiento), Limbayan, Litayen, Polloc, Tagudtungan, Tuca Maror, Katongan, Datu Macarimbang Biruar, and Gadungan Pedpandaran.

Its seat of government will be in Landasan. With a combined population of 39,298 residents across the 10 barangays, according to the bill's authors, the creation of the Municipality of Bonggo promises to provide tailored and efficient governance that caters to the needs of its people.

Sixty days after the approval of the bill, a plebiscite will be conducted to ratify the creation of the Municipality of Bonggo, allowing all residents of the 10 barangays to have a say in the formation of the said municipality.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC), through the Bangsamoro Electoral Office, will conduct and supervise the plebiscite. Upon ratification, the BARMM Chief Minister will immediately appoint the municipality’s mayor, vice mayor, and eight members of the Sangguniang Bayan, ensuring an effective and responsive local administration.

While waiting for their own share of the internal revenue allotment, an allocation of P2.5 million will be provided to support its initial administration and operation. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)