COTABATO CITY, June 25, 2025 — In a sweeping move aimed at reinforcing accountability and improving public service delivery during the critical final phase of the transition period, Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua has ordered all Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and Heads of Offices and Agencies to submit their courtesy resignations no later than June 30, 2025.
This directive was outlined in Memorandum Circular No. 00, Series of 2025, issued on June 23, 2025. It cited “serious and grave complaints” received by the Office of the Chief Minister regarding the performance and responsiveness of several regional officials.
“To improve efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery… all appointed or designated Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Heads of Offices and Agencies are hereby directed to tender their unqualified courtesy resignations,” the memorandum stated.
Officials who fail or refuse to comply by the deadline — corresponding to Muharram 4, 1447 AH — will be “deemed resigned,” according to the document. While awaiting decisions on their resignations, all affected personnel are instructed to continue reporting for work and perform only “routinary functions not involving discretion.”
The memorandum takes effect immediately and was released to the public on June 24, 2025.
Citizen Calls for Broader Political Reset
Following the release of the memorandum, a letter addressed to President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. urged that the principle of courtesy resignation be extended beyond the BARMM Cabinet to the entire Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).
The letter, signed by Amsul, President of BCOBAR International, Inc., echoed the Chief Minister’s concerns on sluggish governance and the need to restore public trust. “To uphold integrity, ensure accountability, and honor the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), I respectfully urge Your Excellency to extend the principle of courtesy resignations to the entire Bangsamoro Transition Authority,” the letter stated.
Citing slow implementation of critical peace and development measures, Amsul emphasized the importance of a “fresh slate of representatives” aligned with the CAB’s vision. The appeal noted that a reenergized BTA leadership would strengthen collaboration with the national government and fulfill the aspirations for genuine autonomy and sustainable peace.
Transition Period Nearing End
The call for accountability comes as BARMM nears the conclusion of its transition period, originally set under the peace agreement between the Philippine government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The region continues to face challenges in executing reforms, improving governance structures, and delivering on its mandate to promote self-determination, inclusive growth, and lasting peace.
Interim Chief Minister Macacua, who assumed leadership following the passing of former Chief Minister Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim, has taken a firm stance on internal reform and public sector performance. His latest move marks a defining moment in the region’s governance and peace-building journey.
As the June 30 deadline approaches, observers are closely watching how this bold initiative will reshape the leadership landscape in the Bangsamoro and impact the broader peace process.