Parliament Speaker Balindong lauds lawmakers for sterling accomplishments, BARMM budget approved

COTABATO CITY — Bangsamoro Parliament Speaker Atty. Pangalian Balindong lauded fellow lawmakers for all achievements and accomplishments, saying “together, we have accomplished noteworthy achievements that will undoubtedly shape the trajectory of the Bangsamoro region for years to come.”

He said the Parliament has achieved major legislative and governance successes and among the notable accomplishments are the approval of two of the remaining priority codes, the Electoral Code and the Local Governance Code. 

The Parliament also unanimously approved the P98.4 billion 2024 Bangsamoro Expenditure Program following extensive deliberations last month. The swift approval, certified as urgent by Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, making it the fastest deliberation since the interim government’s transition in 2019. 

The Committee on Finance, Budget, and Management thoroughly scrutinized budget proposals of all ministries, agencies, and offices, leading to unanimous parliamentary approval, including increased allocations for various ministries. 

The budget reflects a substantial 15.36% increase compared to the current year’s budget of P85.3 billion. This year, the budget will still prioritize education with P30.2 billion, infrastructure with P17.7 billion, and health with P6.65 billion. These sectors are expected to receive a boost to enhance the overall well-being and development of the region.
 
The highlights of the 2024 budget include significant allocations for the following ministries and offices:
 
1. Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education (MBHTE): P30,251,210,027
2. Ministry of Public Works (MPW): P17,774,054,140
3. Ministry of Health (MOH): P6,657,091,430
4. Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA): P4,831,206,302
5. Office of the Chief Minister (OCM): P3,884,118,344
6. Ministry of Social Services and Development (MSSD): P3,702,389,285
7. Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG): P2,359,893,235
8. Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR): P1,913,541,274
9. Ministry of Human Settlements and Development (MHSD): P1,132,845,944
10. Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy (MENRE): P834,206,301
 
Under the approved budget, several ministries and offices received an increase in their allocated funds, indicating a commitment to various sectors.
 
Notable adjustments include a P401 million increase for the OCM with P401 million, MAFAR with P31.5 million, Ministry of Transportation and Communications with P17.5 million, Ministry of Indigenous Peoples’ Affairs with P3 million, Ministry of Science and Technology with P38 million, Ministry of Public Order and Safety with P15 million, Bangsamoro Women Commission with P4.14 million, Bangsamoro Commission for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage with P15 million, Bangsamoro Attorney-General’s Office with P2.07 million, and Bangsamoro Pilgrimage Authority with P5 million.
 
Minister of Finance, Budget, and Management Atty. Ubaida Pacasem explained the budget components for 2024.
 
The breakdown includes P70.5 billion from the Annual Block Grant as outlined in the 2024 National Expenditure Program; P5.08 billion from shares in national taxes collected within the BARMM as provided in the NEP; P5 billion for the Special Development Fund; P471 million from the projected regional taxes; and P17.3 billion from the declared savings from prior years. 

Deputy Floor Leader Atty. Jose Lorena highlighted the meticulous process, underscoring the Bangsamoro Parliament’s commitment to delivering promises to the Bangsamoro people. (LTAIS-Public Information, Publication, and Media Relations Division)