Bangsamoro Government presents New Guidelines for Sectoral Representative Certification
COTABATO CITY (May 27, 2024) – BARMM Spokesperson Mohd Asnin K. Pendatun provided updates on the certification process for sectoral representatives in the Bangsamoro Parliament during the Usapang Bangsamoro Press Briefing held today at the BIO-BARMM Office, Bangsamoro Government Center, this City.
Pendatun explained that the new guidelines were released to ensure a smooth certification process for sectoral representatives.
“Dahil ito sa nilabas na guidelines patungkol duon sa issuance ng mga certification for sectoral representatives dahil halos lahat nailabas na as of last week. Minabuti natin na magpatawag [ng presscon] para ma-explain sa ating mga kababayan kung ano ang dapat handaan tungkol dito and also to promote na maparami ang gustong magpa-certify for the sectoral representations sa Bangsamoro Parliament,” Pendatun said.
The Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) mandates reserved seats for sectoral representatives to ensure diverse and inclusive representation. The law allocates two (2) seats for Christian Settlers, two (2) for Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples (NMIPs), one (1) for Women, one (1) for Youth, one (1) for Ulama, and one (1) for Traditional Leaders, totaling eight (8) reserved seats which account for 10% of the 86 parliamentary seats.
Pendatun highlighted that historical data showed the underrepresentation of these sectors, which led to the inclusion of reserved seats in the Bangsamoro Parliament.
“We make sure na sila po ay magkakaroon ng representation na siguradong galing sa kanilang hanay yung uupo at para masigurado na ito ay katanggap-tanggap at ito ay talagang may proven track record na nag-a-advance ng mga adbokasiya nung isa pang mga issues galing sa mga sector na ito,” Pendatun stated.
The guidelines specify the submission process and requirements for each sector. Christian Settlers must submit applications to the Office of Settlers Communities, NMIPs to the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, Women to the Bangsamoro Women Commission, Youth to the Bangsamoro Youth Commission, Ulama to the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta, and Traditional Leaders to the Office for the Preservation of the Cultural Heritage (BCPH), the Bangsamoro spokesperson said.
Common requirements include an authorized application, organizational details, and a minimum of 50 members for each organization. Additionally, Women sector applicants must demonstrate at least three advocacy projects promoting women’s rights.
NMIPs require fifty (50) members, while the Youth sector requires fifty (50) registered voters. For other sectors, the fifty (50)-member requirement does not specify voter registration or residency within BARMM.
Submissions can be made in person or via email to the respective offices. Each office has a set period to act on applications, with reasons provided for any denial. Applicants can request reconsideration, with final appeals directed to the Office of the Chief Minister within five working days.
The filing period for accreditation runs from May 15 to June 7, 2024. Pendatun emphasized the importance of this timeline, urging interested parties to maximize the application period.
“So minabuti natin na magkaroon tayo ng press briefing ngayon para maipakalat at maibahagi sa ating mga kababayan na interested to join through this at ma-maximize natin yung period na yon,” Pendatun said. (Sahara A. Saban, BMN/BangsamoroToday)
