The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament is now pushing for the revision of Parliament Bill No. 351 in the plenary session, following the final separation of the province of Sulu from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
According to Member of Parliament Atty. Suharto “Teng” Ambolodto, the proposed revision has already been approved by the Committee on Amendments, Revision and Codification of Laws (CARCL) and the Committee on Local Government (CLG).
The proposal is expected to undergo extensive deliberation in the plenary, especially on matters related to redistricting or the reconfiguration of legislative districts within the region.
Under the revised bill, 15 seats will be allocated to major areas. Cotabato City will be given three seats, the Special Geographic Area (SGA) will have two, while both Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur will each be allocated five seats.
Meanwhile, Lanao del Sur is projected to have nine legislative districts. The provinces of Basilan and Tawi-Tawi will each have four districts. However, some residents in Tawi-Tawi are calling for a fifth district to ensure fair and adequate representation.
The proposed bill also includes the provision of a special seat for the Jama Mapun people to give them representation in the Bangsamoro Parliament and to promote their cultural identity and inclusion.
