The ongoing investigation by the House of Representatives into the use of funds by the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has sparked a debate on jurisdiction, governance, and accountability. At the heart of the issue is the question of whether the national government has the authority to scrutinize BARMM’s finances, particularly the Block Grant and the Local Government Support Fund (LGSF), or whether such oversight should be left solely to the Bangsamoro Parliament.
The Argument for BARMM’s Autonomy
BARMM Parliament Speaker Atty. Pangalian Balindong strongly asserts that the investigation into the LGSF should be handled internally by the Bangsamoro Parliament. Citing the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), Balindong argues that BARMM was granted fiscal autonomy, which means that its internal financial matters, including fund disbursement and accountability mechanisms, fall under the exclusive jurisdiction of the regional government. He insists that allowing the House of Representatives to interfere would set a dangerous precedent that undermines the very essence of BARMM’s autonomy.
The autonomy granted to BARMM was not merely a legislative act—it was a hard-fought right that stemmed from decades of struggle for self-governance. Many Bangsamoro leaders believe that any external intervention is a direct challenge to this sovereignty and must be resisted to ensure that the region retains control over its affairs. Balindong and other BARMM officials emphasize that they are not avoiding scrutiny but are asserting their legislative right to conduct their own investigation first before engaging with the national government.
The Need for Oversight and Transparency
On the other side of the debate, national lawmakers argue that while BARMM enjoys a degree of autonomy, the funds it receives—particularly the Block Grant—still come from national tax collections, making it subject to oversight. The House Committee on Public Accounts, led by Rep. Joseph Stephen Paduano, insists that Congress has the authority to ensure that all government funds, regardless of their recipient, are used properly and efficiently.
Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur raised concerns over the LGSF’s implementation, triggering the congressional inquiry. He believes that national oversight is necessary to prevent potential misuse and ensure that the funds reach the intended beneficiaries. Furthermore, lawmakers like Rep. Keith Flores and Rep. Romeo Acop argue that the Bangsamoro Parliament’s internal investigation does not exempt BARMM from being held accountable to national institutions.
Ensuring Fiscal Responsibility Within BARMM
Amid these conflicting positions, the Bangsamoro Government has reaffirmed its commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparency. BARMM spokesperson Mohd Asnin Pendatun stated that the region has already begun an internal probe into the alleged irregularities and has implemented stringent mechanisms to prevent fund mismanagement. He emphasized that the LGSF undergoes a strict approval process under Bangsamoro Budget Circular No. 2024010 and is not subject to political influences.
Additionally, Pendatun reiterated that the Bangsamoro Government adheres to the principles of moral governance—a concept championed by Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim. He assured the public that all financial transactions are closely monitored, and any discrepancies are being investigated and addressed accordingly.
Striking a Balance Between Autonomy and Accountability
While the Bangsamoro Parliament asserts its right to oversee its own financial matters, it must also acknowledge that the Block Grant and other government funds are ultimately public funds. The principles of transparency and accountability should not be sacrificed in the name of autonomy. As a compromise, BARMM officials have committed to sharing their investigative findings with the House Committee on Public Accounts. This collaborative approach could strike a balance between upholding BARMM’s autonomy and ensuring accountability to the Filipino people.
The ongoing debate highlights a broader challenge—how can a region exercise its autonomy while remaining answerable to national standards of governance? The resolution of this issue will set a precedent not only for BARMM but also for future discussions on regional autonomy across the country.
As BARMM navigates this complex issue, it must remain steadfast in its promise of moral governance. The people of BARMM deserve to see every peso of their funds working for their welfare. The autonomy they fought for should empower them, not shield those who may seek to misuse public resources. Ultimately, autonomy and accountability are not mutually exclusive—they must coexist to build a governance system that truly serves the people.