Manila, Philippines — A new legislative proposal aims to establish a “Kutawato Province” within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), creating a Special Geographic Area (SGA) to address the administrative and governance needs of sixty-three barangays that opted to join BARMM in 2019. Senator Robinhood Padilla, who introduced the bill, emphasized the need for these communities to gain greater self-governance, fair representation, and consistent access to basic services.
The proposal cites Section 2 of the Local Government Code of 1991 (Republic Act No. 7160), which advocates genuine local autonomy for political subdivisions to maximize their potential as self-reliant communities. The proposed Kutawato Province seeks to fulfill the aspirations of these communities to have a streamlined local governance structure, improving service delivery and resource allocation.
Background of the Special Geographic Area
The sixty-three barangays included in this proposed province come from the municipalities of Carmen, Kabacan, Midsayap, Pigcawayan, Pikit, and Aleosan, previously part of Cotabato Province. In a plebiscite held on February 6, 2019, these barangays voted in favor of becoming part of BARMM, an unprecedented move that underscored their support for the BARMM initiative.
However, due to a lack of specific governance structure within BARMM for these areas, residents in these barangays were unable to vote in the 2022 elections for key local government positions, including the House of Representatives, Governor, and other officials. This exclusion raised concerns about their constitutional right to suffrage, prompting calls for a formalized provincial status that could provide proper representation and governance for these areas.
The Proposal: Empowering Kutawato Province
The bill proposes that Kutawato Province, with Pahamuddin as its capital, will have legislative and administrative authority consistent with the Local Government Code of 1991. The creation of a provincial government structure aims to enable these barangays to effectively exercise their rights to local governance, manage their resources, and implement development projects specific to their needs.
Among the proposed functions of the Kutawato Province are revenue generation, taxation, and land-use regulation. This empowerment of local authorities is expected to help these communities advance economically and socially while ensuring local government operations are well-aligned with their unique circumstances.
Ensuring Peace and Preventing Disenfranchisement
This legislative proposal is seen as a means to further peace efforts in Mindanao, a region historically affected by conflict. By formalizing governance and securing the political rights of these residents, the bill seeks to prevent disenfranchisement and bolster the local autonomy of these communities within BARMM.
If passed, the bill will provide the Kutawato Province with the necessary framework to deliver essential services to its constituents, from healthcare and education to infrastructure development. The province would also be able to manage funds more effectively to support community-specific initiatives and programs that foster peace, development, and economic stability.
Legislative Outlook
The bill underscores the Senate’s commitment to securing the autonomy of the Bangsamoro region while promoting social justice and equality across its territories. The proposal reflects efforts to advance both national and local interests, addressing historical grievances and enabling BARMM to fulfill its promise of self-determination for Muslim Mindanao.
Senator Padilla, expressing hope for bipartisan support, said, “This bill is not only about governance; it’s about providing justice and opportunity to communities that have waited for a structure that acknowledges their identity, needs, and aspirations.”
