Manila, Philippines — August 2, 2025 — In a landmark decision with wide-reaching implications for governance and identity in Mindanao, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed Executive Order (EO) No. 91, officially transferring the Province of Sulu from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to Region IX, or the Zamboanga Peninsula.
The EO, signed on July 31, 2025, implements a Supreme Court ruling affirming the results of the plebiscite, in which Sulu residents voted against inclusion in the now-defunct Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM)—the predecessor of BARMM.
The Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision in September 2024, declared that Sulu was never legally part of BARMM due to its rejection of ARMM’s ratification. EO No. 91 affirms this ruling and realigns Sulu’s administrative placement with Region IX, ensuring compliance with the Constitution and recognition of the will of its people.
“There exists an urgent need to effectively implement and address the effects of the Supreme Court Decision and Resolution on the operations of national government agencies and the delivery of public services in the Province of Sulu,” President Marcos stated in the EO.
Seamless Transition Ordered
The executive order directs all departments, agencies, and instrumentalities of the Executive Branch, including their respective counterparts in Sulu, to facilitate a phased and seamless transition of the province from BARMM to Region IX. This includes the realignment of budget allocations, staffing, and implementation of public programs.
To ensure continued public service delivery, the President ordered that all government programs, activities, and projects (PAPs) in Sulu be implemented by concerned national government agencies (NGAs) beginning Fiscal Year 2026.
Meanwhile, the Bangsamoro Government and the Province of Sulu may enter into institutional arrangements to ensure the continuity and financing of ongoing programs and services during the transition.
Formation of Technical Working Group
To oversee the complex transition, President Marcos established a Technical Working Group (TWG) chaired by the Executive Secretary and co-chaired by the Secretaries of Budget and Management, the Interior and Local Government, and National Defense.
The TWG is given 15 days from the EO’s effectivity to convene and begin formulating policies on budget realignment, staffing changes, and inter-agency coordination. An annual progress report is required to be submitted to the President.
Personnel and Retirement Provisions
Government employees affected by the transition are given the option to retire or be separated from service, with entitlement to full retirement benefits or separation incentives—provided they have at least five years of service. They will also receive refunds of their Pag-IBIG contributions and compensation for unused leave credits.
However, those who retire or separate under this EO are barred from reemployment in the Executive Branch for five years—except as teaching or medical personnel. Reemployment within the ban period would require a refund of benefits received.
Impact on Governance and Identity
The realignment is more than administrative; it marks a significant shift in Sulu’s political, service delivery, and regional identity. While it clarifies the province’s legal status, it also presents new coordination challenges and opportunities for the national and regional governments.
Malacañang is expected to release further details on the transition timeline and coordination mechanisms between BARMM and Region IX in the coming weeks.
EO No. 91 takes effect immediately upon publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.