Hasten passage of key legislative codes, OPAPRU urges BARMM lawmakers

From the Philippine News Agency (Jun 7, 2024): Hasten passage of key legislative codes, OPAPRU urges BARMM lawmakers (By Priam Nepomuceno)

OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. (File photo courtesy of OPAPRU)

MANILA – Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU) chief, Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., on Friday called on the Bangsamoro parliament to expedite the passage of two priority legislative codes of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to further solidify peace gains.

“To realize our common vision, I respectfully urge the BTA (Bangsamoro Transition Authority) to expedite the passage of the two remaining priority codes. These codes are not merely legislative instruments. They are vital tools that will pave the way for more effective governance and sustainable development in the region,” Galvez said in a statement.

He was referring to the Revenue Code and Indigenous Peoples' Rights, which the BTA earlier pledged to pass within the year or before the first BARMM parliamentary polls, which coincides with next year's midterm elections.

Galvez noted that addressing key issues that affect the BARMM's progress is crucial as the polls draw near.

“Rest assured that the OPAPRU stands behind you in this concerted effort. By effectively utilizing all available resources and maximizing available support mechanisms, we can ensure the prompt and effective resolution of critical issues,” he said.

Galvez also echoed the sentiments of BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim and President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., urging all parties to prioritize serving the Bangsamoro people.

“The forthcoming BARMM elections represent a watershed moment in the history of the Bangsamoro people. This political exercise is not only critical in ensuring the continued resilience of democracy in the region, but more importantly, sends a clear and strong message that the BARMM government is determined to build on and sustain the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process,” he said.

To date, the BTA Parliament has passed the Bangsamoro Administrative Code on Oct. 28, 2020; the Bangsamoro Civil Service Code on Feb. 24, 2021; the Bangsamoro Education Code on May 18, 2021; the Bangsamoro Electoral Code on March 9, 2023; and the Bangsamoro Local Governance Code on Sept. 28, 2023.

https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1226430