Manila, September 25, 2024 — Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri stated on Wednesday that the province of Sulu could potentially rejoin the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) through a legislative amendment by Congress.
“If Sulu desires to be included in the BARMM again, they can approach the Senate and ask for an amendment to the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL),” Zubiri said during the ‘Kapihan sa Manila Bay’ forum.
Zubiri highlighted Section 1, Article XVII of the BOL, which established BARMM and governs any changes to the law. According to this provision, any amendment, revision, or repeal of the organic law must be enacted through legislation passed by the Philippine Congress.
This proposal follows the Supreme Court’s September 9 ruling that formally excluded Sulu from BARMM, a decision rooted in the results of a 2019 plebiscite. In that plebiscite, 54% of Sulu’s voters cast ballots against joining the autonomous region, ultimately resulting in the province’s non-inclusion.
The consequences of Sulu’s exclusion have already begun to manifest. Among them is the halting of non-obligated infrastructure projects in the province as of September 16. Moreover, the status of government employees in Sulu has raised concerns, although it was recently announced that these employees will continue to receive their salaries through 2024, subject to compliance with certain documentary requirements.
Bangsamoro Cabinet Secretary and Spokesperson Mohd Asnin Pendatun noted that legal options concerning Sulu’s current status are under review. He also reassured the public that efforts are being made to mitigate the impact of Sulu’s exclusion from BARMM.
“Bangsamoro Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim stated that the exclusion of Sulu from the BARMM shall be made less painful, especially when we speak of the region as a territory and governance. However, when we speak of Bangsamoro as an identity or part of the history, nothing can ever take away Sulu from it,” Pendatun said.
The province’s separation from BARMM has ignited discussions about Sulu’s future and its potential reentry into the autonomous region. Senator Zubiri’s remarks suggest that the door remains open for Sulu to once again be part of the BARMM, but the process will require a legislative solution from Congress.
