MP Benito Presents CSO Position Paper on Reapportionment of Sulu Districts, Urges Committees to Consider Grassroots Recommendations

COTABATO CITY (July 5, 2025) — Demonstrating his commitment to inclusive governance and participatory democracy, Member of the Bangsamoro Parliament Abdulbasit R. Benito presented the Civil Society Organization (CSO) Position Paper on the reapportionment of seven parliamentary districts in Sulu during a meeting in Pasig City.

The meeting, chaired by the Committee on Amendment, Revision, and Codification of Laws and the Committee on Local Government of the Bangsamoro Parliament focused on the results of public consultations regarding BTA Bill No. 347 and BTA Bill No. 351. The objective of these bills is to realign parliamentary districts in the Bangsamoro region to ensure more just and balanced representation.

The CSO Position Paper presented by MP Benito resulted from a consultation with civil society representatives held on June 10, 2025, at Pagana Restaurant in Cotabato City. The consultation was attended by various CSO leaders and stakeholders who shared their views and recommendations on the proposed redistricting’s impact, particularly in Sulu.

The Parliamentary Research and Legal Support (PRLS) team participated in the consultation to provide legal guidance and ensure discussions aligned with existing legal frameworks of the Bangsamoro Parliament.

In his presentation, MP Benito urged committee members to consider the recommendations in the CSO Position Paper. He emphasized that these recommendations come directly from community leaders and civil society representatives who have a deep understanding of their areas’ situations and needs.

“Hindi lang ito gumagamit ng teknikal na redistricting,” said MP Benito. He stresses that it’s about leveraging the representation, leadership, and voices of the Bangsamoro people. The recommendations of CSO leaders must be heard and valued in this process.

MP Benito’s call reflects his ongoing advocacy for a legislature that is open and responsive to the people’s voices. As deliberations continue, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority is progressing towards its goal of establishing a government that truly fulfills the aspirations of every Bangsamoro. (Tu Alid Alfonso, BMN/BangsamoroToday)