The recent Supreme Court ruling on the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) further strengthens the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) as they prepare for their first election in 2025, according to former Senate President Juan Miguel Zubiri.
“They can now [move] forward with full confidence in their autonomy and great hopes for a future of peace, progress, and stability,” said Zubiri, who was instrumental in crafting the law during the 17th Congress.
Zubiri described the BOL as a “silver bullet” for long-term peace in the Mindanao region. He emphasized that the law was passed through the collaborative efforts of two Senate Presidents—Aquilino Pimentel III and Vicente Sotto III.
Despite his praise for the law’s potential, Zubiri—like other lawmakers—expressed regret over the exclusion of Sulu from BARMM. He explained that the opt-out provision, which allowed Sulu to remain outside the autonomous region, was a divisive issue during the law’s deliberation.
Zubiri said the Supreme Court likely took into account the petition from Sulu, especially since BARMM lost it during the plebiscite.
He added that Sulu, now outside BARMM, would not benefit from the region’s additional block grant and would instead have to rely on the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), as well as the House of Representatives and the Senate, for its funding needs.
While he disagreed with Sulu’s exclusion, Zubiri assured that the Senate would continue to support the province, respecting the democratic decision of its people.
The SC ruling solidifies BARMM’s governance and financial autonomy, with internal revenue allocation and an additional block grant to support its development.
