Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri is set to file a bill proposing a plebiscite in Sulu to determine whether its residents now favor inclusion in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Zubiri explained that when the BARMM was first established, the people of Sulu initially rejected membership. However, nearly six years later, sentiments appear to have shifted, with many Sulu leaders now expressing a desire to join the region due to the substantial benefits provided by the BARMM.
“In the next couple of days, we’re going to file a bill for a plebiscite in Sulu,” said Zubiri. “When the BARMM was created, they [Sulu residents] voted and rejected it. But that was close to six years ago. Now, when you talk to the leadership in Sulu, they want to be part of BARMM because of the significant grants and support they’ve been receiving. We want to give them an opportunity.”
Supreme Court Decision on Sulu and BARMM
In September, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of Republic Act No. 11054, or the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which established the BARMM. However, the Court also ruled that Sulu is not part of BARMM, as the province declined to ratify the law during the 2019 plebiscite.
Despite this decision, Zubiri emphasized the existence of an “opt-in” provision in the BOL, which allows areas to join BARMM through another plebiscite. This provision paves the way for the proposed reassessment of Sulu’s inclusion.
Renewed Support for BARMM in Sulu
The senator highlighted that the BARMM has significantly bolstered development in the region, providing grants and support that have improved local communities. These developments have reportedly sparked interest among Sulu’s leaders and residents to reconsider their stance.
Zubiri made the announcement during the launch of a coffee table book chronicling the creation of the BOL, underscoring the evolving dynamics of Sulu’s relationship with BARMM and the importance of revisiting the issue through a democratic process.
The proposed plebiscite is seen as an opportunity to align Sulu’s governance with the aspirations of its people, reflecting their current preferences regarding regional autonomy and development.