Manila, Philippines—The ongoing discussions regarding the postponement of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections have brought financial issues to the forefront. Maguindanao del Sur Governor Bai Mariam Sangki Mangudadatu recently raised concerns in a legislative hearing, questioning the utilization of the block grant—a substantial budget allocation provided by the national government to support the BARMM since its inception. Mangudadatu pressed officials to account for how the billions of pesos in funds have been spent to improve the lives of residents in the region.
Responding to these inquiries, Atty. Ubaida Pacasem, Minister of Finance, Budget, and Management for BARMM and a member of parliament, highlighted the unique fiscal structure of the Bangsamoro Government. Unlike local government units (LGUs) in other regions, where services are administered locally, the BARMM government centrally manages core services across the entire autonomous region. This setup, he explained, stems from the fiscal autonomy provided by the national government, empowering the Bangsamoro Government to oversee and implement essential services independently.
According to Pacasem, the block grant has been directed primarily towards salaries for teachers in the BARMM, strengthening the region’s education system. Additionally, the block grant has supported the operation of 26 hospitals across the Bangsamoro region, a responsibility typically managed by LGUs in other areas. These examples, he noted, illustrate BARMM’s commitment to managing basic services, such as education and healthcare, which are central to the region’s development goals.
Pacasem also emphasized that the block grant has had tangible effects on the region’s poverty rates. In 2018, BARMM’s poverty index stood at 52.9%, but by 2021, it had dropped significantly to 28%, and in 2023 it stands at 23.5%, according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. This progress, he argued, is a direct result of projects funded by the block grant, which aim to provide economic and social support across the region.
In light of Mangudadatu’s concerns, Pacasem assured the public that the Intergovernmental Fiscal Policy Board is set to conduct a comprehensive review of the block grant allocations. This board will assess and disclose fund allocations to ensure transparency and provide a clearer understanding of how resources are being managed to support BARMM’s social and economic programs.
The debate over the BARMM parliamentary election postponement and the distribution of the block grant underscores the ongoing challenge of building an autonomous government structure within the Bangsamoro region. As discussions progress, accountability and transparent use of funds remain essential to fostering trust and promoting sustainable development within BARMM.
The proposed election delay, supported by some officials to allow for further stabilization and governance development within BARMM, remains under review by the Philippine Congress, with implications for the region’s future autonomy and fiscal management.
