The recent exclusion of Professor Eddie Alih from the Bangsamoro Parliament has sparked deep disappointment and concern among the people of Tawi-Tawi. His exemplary leadership and unwavering dedication made him one of the most hardworking Members of Parliament (MPs), ensuring that the province had a strong and active voice in governance. The decision to leave Tawi-Tawi with only one representative in the 2025 Bangsamoro Parliament raises serious questions about fairness and equitable representation.
A Drastic Reduction in Representation
In 2019 and 2022, Tawi-Tawi had three MPs. However, with the latest appointments to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) on March 3, 2025, the province now finds itself with only one representative. This stark reduction is not only a setback for Tawi-Tawi but also a contradiction to the principles of fairness and inclusivity that the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) was founded upon.
The people of Tawi-Tawi deserve a voice in the Parliament. A just and inclusive BARMM must ensure that all provinces under its jurisdiction receive fair representation. The lack of action to address this issue raises concerns about whether the region is truly being governed with the interests of all its provinces in mind.
Public Outcry and the Issue of Manila-Centric Governance
Many netizens have expressed their outrage over the apparent marginalization of Tawi-Tawi in the Bangsamoro Parliament. One commenter pointed out the inconsistency in reactions, comparing it to the strong opposition against Sulu’s exclusion from BARMM based on a Supreme Court ruling.
“How can we have equitable representation across all BARMM provinces when clearly Tawi-Tawi is barely represented?” one netizen asked. Another lamented the silence surrounding Tawi-Tawi’s exclusion, highlighting the stark contrast to the protests that erupted when Sulu faced a similar situation.
Beyond BARMM, concerns have also been raised about the role of the national government in this issue. Critics argue that the continued interference of the Manila-centric government undermines the autonomy of BARMM, preventing it from selecting its own leaders freely.
“This is another case where the national government, which knows little about us and our struggles, is deciding the fate of BARMM,” one observer stated.
The Root Cause: A Flawed Political System
Some analysts point to the broader structural weaknesses of the country’s unitary-presidential system, which centralizes power, wealth, and decision-making in Manila.
“This system continues to disregard the need for true regional representation. Even with the Bangsamoro Organic Law granting us some autonomy, the flaws of the current political system persist,” a concerned citizen remarked.
The issue of fair representation for Tawi-Tawi is not just about one province; it is about upholding the principles of justice, inclusivity, and regional autonomy. If BARMM is to truly serve all of its people, it must address the concerns of Tawi-Tawi and ensure that no province is left without a proper voice in governance. Without equitable representation, the very foundations of the region’s autonomy are at risk. The leadership of BARMM must act now to rectify this injustice and uphold the promise of fair governance for all.
