Transfer of BARMM govt seat approved

From the Manila Times (Jun 21, 2023): Transfer of BARMM govt seat approved (By Aric John Sy Cua)

THE Parliament of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) has approved Bill 43 in its third and final reading, which will see a change in government seats in the region.

A statement by the Bangsamoro Parliament said that the bill, known as the Seat of Government Act of 2023, will authorize the seat of government to be moved from Cotabato City to Parang in Maguindanao del Norte.

Members of Parliament on Monday voted in favor of the measure, with 47 affirmative votes, zero negative and six abstentions.

"The new government center will house the offices of the Wali (ceremonial head) and the Chief Minister, the Bangsamoro Parliament, as well as BARMM ministries, offices, and agencies," the statement explained.

Parliamentary floor leader Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba said she was confident that all constituencies within the Bangsamoro region will benefit upon the bill's enactment and even highlighted the "potential" for new opportunities to arise because of it.

The new choice of Parang was the top choice among several competing locations, with Cotabato City, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Sultan Kudarat and Sultan Mastura as the other choices.

https://www.manilatimes.net/2023/06/21/regions/transfer-of-barmm-govt-seat-approved/1897018