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WWW.DELACSE.COM.PH NEWSLETTER 4.0 FEBRUARY 2019

IN THIS ISSUE

Mindanao enters age of peace, 2 - 3 progress with ratification of BOL Message from the Implementing Partners

Photo Credits: Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News 4 - 5 A new era has opened in the history of . First DELACSE Phase 2 Basic Leadership Seminar tackles ast January 25, the considers a pivotal and historic intricacies and implications of BOL Commission on Elections milestone in Mindanao. (COMELEC)L en banc, sitting as the National Plebiscite “I am very hopeful that with the Board of Canvassers (NPBOC) ratification of the proclaimed the ratification of the Organic Law, Mindanao can after finally enjoy long lasting peace canvassing all four Certificates and inclusive growth that will of Canvass of the January 21 benefit the entire , not plebiscite. only you (Bangsamoro),” Duterte said. The BOL will replace the 8 - 9 ARMM with BARMM that has Based on the canvassing, people an expanded land and water from the Autonomous Region Project Partner Organizations jurisdiction, fiscal autonomy, in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) increased share in national voted in favor of the Bangsamoro government resources, among Autonomous Region in Muslim others. Mindanao (BARMM)’s creation with 1,540,017. City also During the Peace Assembly opted to join the BARMM, with BONUS SECTION! for the Ratification of the BOL 36,682 ‘Yes’ votes. in , President FUN with FACTS has lauded the More than 1.8 million people CROSSWORD PUZZLE ratification of the BOL which he Continue to page 7 FEBRUARY 2019 NEWSLETTER 4.0 MESSAGE FROM THE IMPLEMENTING PARTNERS

“For almost three decades, the European Union has been a partner of the Government of the Philippines and of the people of Mindanao, committed to support the Mindanao peace process. The financial support to DELACSE Project (Democratic Leadership and Active Civil Society Empowerment in the Bangsamoro), confirms our commitment on continuing this path. The DELACSE Bangsamoro project is now entering in its second phase for another 2 years, after having implemented a successful first phase, where we built a foundation on which active civil society participation within the Autonomous region could become possible. With the DELACSE project, EU’s objective is to enhance leadership abilities and prepare Bangsamoro decision-makers and civil society leaders for an active engagement in the new political framework.

Through this project, we have managed to establish partnerships with more than 40 CSOs. We have trained 80 CSO leader trainers on Active Democratic Leadership and we have enhanced the leadership capacity of more than 100 CSO leaders. And now with this second phase, more is to come in particular with the inclusion of the H.E. Ambassador young people. When the European Union decided to fund this project, the fate of Franz Jessen BoL was uncertain and the Mindanao peace process was challenged. Today, the Government of the Philippines and the people of Mindanao are working together to Head of Delegation, build the political future of Bangsamoro. This project is a fulfilment of the European European Union to the Union’s pledge to peace and development in Mindanao. By supporting democratic Philippines leadership capacity development we aimed at building the Bangsamoro’s ability to manage its own future.

On this note, we are grateful to have contributed to the improvement of democratic leadership capabilities and to the active empowerment of leaders in Bangsamoro in a time that might be a milestone of the future of the people of the Philippines.”

“The Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG) is grateful to continue with its civil society empowerment program in the Bangsamoro. Through the ardent support of the European Union and our CSO partners, IAG is thrilled to take the lead in the implementation of the second phase of “Democratic Leadership and Civil Society Empowerment in the Bangsamoro (DELACSE Bangsamoro) because of its timeliness and relevance in light of the very recent political developments in the Bangsamoro region.

Our partner civil society organizations (CSOs) have remarkably increased from 50 during the project’s first phase to now more than 90 organizations scattered across the region. This sharp increase provides opportunity for the project to reach more Atty. Benedicto civil society leaders who remain committed and genuinely interested to empower Bacani themselves as the future leaders of the Bangsamoro. During the second half of 2018, the project has already started conducting several capacity-building activities and Executive Director, opportunities for dialogue with our partner CSOs in many areas of the Bangsamoro. Institute for Autonomy and Governance The activities undertaken were met by our partner CSOs with great appreciation and hopes that they will continue to be included in the future activities of the project. They likewise communicated to our team the topics that are of interest to them as well as their learning expectations from our activities and mentoring programs. This goes hand in hand with our pursuit to empower these CSOs as they assert their interests and policy agenda in the incoming Bangsamoro government.”

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“We at Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) Philippines are extremely pleased with once again being part of Muslim Mindanao’s journey towards peace and development, through the Democratic Leadership and Civil Society Empowerment in the Bangsamoro or DELACSE 2.

The timing is crucial now, more than ever. In the historic vote creating the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), the Bangsamoro people will be given the reigns to self-determination and -governance. With genuine hope in this new chapter lies many challenges and numerous tasks: establishing the necessary democratic institutions in Muslim Mindanao; developing leaders within the Bangsamoro Transition Authority and the succeeding ; forming genuine political parties in the region---the list goes on.

Prof. Dr. Stefan Jost KAS, being in numerous countries all over the world, provides the expertise and support for Muslim Mindanao’s endeavours for reconciliation, justice, and Country Director, prosperity. This has been evident in the continuous support of both KAS and the Konrad-Adenauer- European Union (EU) of past EU co-funded projects, such as: the “Recognition Stiftung Philippines of the Rights of in the ARMM for their Empowerment and Sustainable Development” (IPDEV), “Democratic Leadership and Active Civil Society Empowerment” (DEPADEV), and the 1st phase of DELACSE.

From our experience in the country, we have come to the realization that civil society is of utmost importance in improving and deepening the democratic structures in the Philippines, as well as in building a more inclusive society.”

“The core of the Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID)’s work in the past three decades has always been meaningful engagement with civil society and solidarity with the peoples they serve and accompany. In Mindanao, IID has established strong and deep relationships with different sectors through its peacebuilding work and its involvement in the peace process.

Being a part of the second phase of the Democratic Leadership and Active Civil Society Empowerment in the Bangsamoro (DELACSE) is a welcome addition to the work that IID has been doing, especially in the context of the political transition of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) to the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

As new opportunities and challenges arise from the transition process, IID sees Gus Miclat DELACSE 2 as a project that looks to the future and offers a vital accompaniment for the Bangsamoro people, especially civil society organizations, as they find and Executive Director, build spaces for meaningful participation in the new Bangsamoro political entity. Initiatives for International Dialogue As part of DELACSE 2, IID is more than ready to help build these essential spaces for engagement and participation and bridge these spaces together. Alongside the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG) and the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS), with the support of the European Union (EU), IID is honored to work with the Bangsamoro people as they continue to assert their aspirations for genuine autonomy, effective governance, and the fulfillment of their right to self- determination.”

WWW.DELACSE.COM.PH 3 FEBRUARY 2019 NEWSLETTER 4.0

FIRST DELACSE PHASE 2 BASIC LEADERSHIP SEMINAR TACKLES INTRICACIES AND IMPLICATIONS OF BOL

Leaders from various civil society organizations and emerging local political parties participated in the first-ever DELACSE Bangsamoro Phase II Basic Leadership Seminar in last November 21-22 titled “Empowering the Civil Society Leaders of the Bangsamoro.” DELACSE Bangsamoro wants to help future Bangsamoro leaders to have sound judgment of the BOL and to improve their understanding of the intricacies of the law.

he Democratic judgment of the BOL, they need socioeconomic funds. Leadership and Active to understand the law, and to TCivil Society Empowerment in increase their awareness and Atty. Julkipli added that the the Bangsamoro (DELACSE address misconceptions about law allows for the people of the Bangsamoro) opens the second the law. Bangsamoro to be given greater phase of the program with political power to enable them to a 2-day Basic Leadership Prof. Christopher Ryan Maboloc chart their own course. Chairman Seminar (BLS) held in Davao of Ateneo de Davao University of the Regional Board of City. Dubbed as “Empowering discussed the Implications of Investments (ARMM) Atty. Ishak the Civil Society Leaders of the the Bangsamoro Agenda. He said Mastura discussed about Bangsamoro,” the seminar was the ratification of the BOL is part the Parliamentary Setup under attended by various civil society of the promise of President the BOL. He explained that organizations and emerging Rodrigo Duterte to deliver residents will vote for the local political parties in the genuine autonomy to the Moro representatives of the 80-member Bangsamoro region. people in Mindanao.Maboloc Bangsamoro parliament, with added that it is also in line with and two deputy The BLS serves as an educational the President’s directive to chief ministers shall be elected forum or extended support to implement all the signed peace by majority votes from among dialogues on the intricacies of agreements with the Moro fronts. the members of the Parliament. the Bangsamoro Organic Law Atty. Mastura added that the (BOL). Narciso Jover Jr., Project For his part, Atty. Mohammad 80-member Bangsamoro Manager of DELACSE Phase Al Amin Julkipli, a consultant of Parliament is composed of 50% 2, told the participants that the UNDP Philippines discussed the party representatives, 40% main objective of the BLS was to salient features of the BOL. The district representatives, and 10% empower the CSO and Political current BOL, he said, includes reserved seats and sectoral Party leaders by educating them the concept of “block grant” representatives with two reserved on what the impact of the BOL which automatically gives the seats for non-Moro IPs and settler will be on their lives. future Bangsamoro regional communities and settler government an annual communities. He added that for the people fund on top of its internal of Bangsamoro to have sound revenue allotment and other Continue to next page.

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From previous page. of the present Autonomous local governance, saying a big The enactment of an organic Region in Muslim Mindanao, responsibility falls into the law that will formally create 6 towns in del Norte, 39 shoulders of CSOs and Political the Bangsamoro territory is a barangays in North Cotabato, Parties to help implement big leaptowards the aspirations and the cities of Cotabato and initiatives under the new of the Bangsamoro people, . Bangsamoro territory. says Atty. Michael Henry Yusingco of the Ateneo School of Lastly, Mr. Lambert Ramirez, The BOL, called the Bangsamoro Government. However, he added Project Coordinator of Libertas Basic Law during the legislative that the path ahead still needs to Philippines, and former process, is the enabling hurdle legal challenges, one of DELACSE Bangsamoro Phase measure for the replacement which is the actual plebiscite on 1 Project Manager April De la of ARMM with a more January 21, 2019. Cruz-Faderan, talked about the administratively and politically- role of Civil Society and Political empowered Bangsamoro Atty. Yusingco also gave a Parties in the New Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim lecture on the fundamentals of Government. Both discussants Mindanao, or BARMM. Parliamentary and Electoral agreed that good governance Systems. A plebiscite for the is the key to a successful The new region will initially ratification of the BOL is implementation of the BOL. be led during transition by the scheduled two months from now MILF, which negotiated for the in the areas identified in the law, They also emphasized the peace agreement that the BOL is which includes the core territory importance of inclusivity in meant to implement.

he BOL guarantees T the aspirations of the SEMA: BOL TO ALLOW Bangsamoro people for enduring MEANINGFUL SELF-GOVERNANCE peace, affirmation of distinct identity, right to chart political future using democratic processes, and meaningful self- governance. “Fiscal governance to attain self-sufficiency. Yung hindi na tayo manghihingi sa national government,” Sema explained to the participants of the Basic Leadership Seminar at N Hotel, de Oro City.

He also encouraged them to vote in the plebiscite and to encourage their constituents to do the same so that finally, Bangsamoro can enjoy genuine “While it is not perfect, it is a good law. Good enough for us to begin with a clean slate,” Commissioner Omar and meaningful self-governance. Yasser Sema of the Bangsamoro Transition said when he gave the participants a rundown of the salient features of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). DELACSE Bangsamoro also history, the historical injustice Roderico Dumaug, Jr., former invited other resource persons to against the , and its Founding President of the talk about political reform and struggle for political, economic, Centrist Democracy Party of the role of CSOs in achieving the and cultural autonomy. “You the Philippines tackled the same. Ateneo de Davao Professor can’t change people but you can fundamentals of parliamentary Christopher Ryan Maboloc change policies. If you change and electoral systems so that the started the two-day seminar these, the people will conform to CSO leaders can better with a glimpse of Philippine the norms,” Maboloc explained. Continue to next page.

WWW.DELACSE.COM.PH 5 FEBRUARY 2019 NEWSLETTER 4.0

because the prevailing paradigm now is that both sectors can work together to achieve common goals. To further enrich the discussion, Dumaug added that CSOs and political organizations can enhance the power and influence of citizens’ voice in advocating for policies and improving governance.

The CSO leaders culminated the two-day seminar with a In photo, the representative from the last group assessed their strengths and weaknesses as CSOs as well as collaboration session. They their line of work’s areas for improvements and opportunities. mapped out their existing From previous page. parties and party-driven, not resources, challenges, strategies, understand the parliamentary personality-driven, programs. and goals. This resulted to a form of government of the Balay Mindanaw Chairperson productive brainstorming session future Bangsamoro. The fusion Charlito Manlupig clarified the on how they can further their own of powers of the legislative role of CSOs as people’s partner goals through a shared initiative and executive departments in responding to challenges and with other organizations in their will ensure harmony in the conflicts. While CSOs cannot area. Although no formal deals formulation and implementation grow as big as government were inked between CSOs that of laws. institutions, that doesn’t meant afternoon, it sparked a few ideas Moreover, this will pave the that the former has to engage in that could lead to long-lasting way for the rise of principled a power struggle with the latter partnerships.

CSO LEADERS PRODDED TO CORRECT BOL MISCONCEPTIONS peaking at a seminar the government and Moro in City attended groups. It is largely based on the Sby CSO leaders from Comprehensive Agreement on Province, Bangsamoro the Bangsamoro, the peace deal Transition Commission (BTC) between the government and the Commissioner Atty. Jose Lorena Moro Islamic Liberation Front said CSO leaders should be the (MILF). champions of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), and must be “The BOL preamble mirrors the equipped to defend the legislation entire law. It is wrong to say that from critics. the law will lead to . In fact, if you read the preamble, Lorena gave a lecture on the it mentions that it is within the salient features of the BOL and framework of the Constitution.” said CSO leaders can be confident in correcting misconceptions At the same time, Lorena said the about the law only if they have BOL addresses not just the The participants were asked to undergo a workshop sufficient understanding of the clamor of the Moro people but on networking and coordinating with other CSOs law. also interest of the Indigenous and Political Organizations, where they were able Peoples and Christian settlers. He to exchange views and share insights about their individual and collective CSO experiences. The BOL is a product of a series considers the BOL as an of peace negotiations between Continue to next page.

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From previous page. From front page The second round of BOL all-inclusive law – a product of from seven areas in Mindanao plebiscite took place on decades of struggle and peace participated in the first BOL February 6. According to the negotiations. plebiscite, according to the poll Comelec, around 75 percent body. of the voters participated in The law will create a new the second phase of the BOL Bangsamoro region with COMELEC spokesperson plebiscite. enhanced autonomy. This region James Jimenez said a total will have a parliamentary form of 1,844,873 out of 2,167,244 A total of 63 barangays out of of government composed of 80 registered voters cast their the 67 from seven towns in members representing different votes in the plebiscite, which North Cotabato have voted to parties, sectors and districts translates to a voter turnout be included in the BARMM. elected by the people. of 85.13 percent. He added Meanwhile, NPBOC proclaimed that the highest individual that the towns of Baloi, , voter turnouts were recorded , Pantar, Tagoloan, in and Lanao and Tangkal, all of the province del Sur with 93.35 percent of , shall not and 92.5 percent, respectively. form part of the BARMM. Basilan had 81.98 percent while Majority of the towns in Lanao recorded 80.28 percent. del Norte have voted to not let Tawi-Tawi had the lowest voter go of the six towns. turnout among the provinces of the Autonomous Region in The Bangsamoro territorial Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), jurisdiction consists of the at 77.17 percent. The cities known present geographical of Cotabato and Isabela have areas of ARMM, except the City tallied 54.22 percent and 58.70 of Isabela in the Province of percent, respectively. Basilan, Cotabato City, and 63 barangays in North Cotabato.

CONSOLIDATED CANVASS REPORT OF THE NATIONAL PLEBISCITE BOARD OF CANVASSERS 21 JANUARY 2019 PLEBISCITE

NO. OF NO. OF VOTERS REGION/CITY/ REGISTERED WHO ACTUALLY YES NO PROVINCE “The Bangsamoro Organic Law is not an ordinary VOTERS VOTED legislation, it’s a product of continous engagement and decades of negotiations.” words by Q: Payag ba kayo na pagtibayin ang Batas Republika Blg. 11054 na kilala din bilang “Organic Law Commissioner Atty. Jose Lorena during his lecture. for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao”?

The law consists of 18 articles ARMM 1,980,441 1,738,767 1,540,017 198,750 which covers the definition of Q: Payag ba kayo na isama ang Lungsod ng Isabela, Basilan sa Rehiyong Awtonomo ng the territorial jurisdiction of the Bangsamoro? BARMM, general principles and policies, the powers and structure BASILAN 190,861 156,468 144,640 8,487 of the Bangsamoro government,

Wali, basic rights, justice system, Q: Payag ba kayo na isama ang Lungsod ng Isabela sa Rehiyong Awtonomo ng Bangsamoro? national defense and security, fiscal autonomy, regionals ISABELA CITY 71,124 41,748 19,032 22,441 autonomy and patrimony, rehabilitation and development, plebiscite, amendments and Q: Payag ba kayo na isama ang Lungsod ng Cotabato sa Rehiyong Awtonomo ng Bangsamoro? transitory provisions. COTABATO CITY 113,751 58,806 36,682 24,994

WWW.DELACSE.COM.PH 7 FEBRUARY 2019 NEWSLETTER 4.0

PROJECT PARTNER ORGANIZATIONS

COTABATO + MAGUINDANAO

• Bangsamoro Women Service Center (BWSC) • Organization of T’eduray and Lambangian • Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society Conference (OTLAC) (CBCS) Regional • Suara Kalilintad • Cotabato Center for Peace and Development • T’eduray and Lambangian Women’s Initiatives (CCPDI) Organization, Inc. • GAP hunger • T’eduray and Lambangain Youth and • Federation of Bangsamoro Civil Society Students Association (TLYSA) Organization (FBCSO) • Tabang Ako Siyap ko Bangsa Iranun saya ko • Institute for Bangsamoro Studies (IBS) kalilintad ago kapamamagayon (TASBIKKa • Kadtabanga Foundation for PDA Inc. Incorporated) • Kadtuntaya Foundation Inc. • Timuay Justice and Governance (TJG) • Lipad Mindanao Inc. • Tiyakap Kalilintad, Inc. • Magungaya Mindanao, Inc. (MMI) • United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) • Mindanao Action for Peace and Development • United Indigenous Peoples Youth Initiatives (MAPAD) Organization • Mindanao Organization for Social and • United Youth for Peace and Development Economic Progress, Inc. (MOSEP) (UNYPAD) • Moro Women Development and Cultural • Young Advocates of Peace and Development Center, Inc. (MWDECC) Network (YAPDN) • Muslim Youth Religious Organization, Inc. • Young Centrists Union (YCU) Bangsamoro (MYROI)

LANAO

• Bangsamoro Youth Coalition for Peace and • Mindanao State University Legal Aid Center Development (BYCPD) (MSULAC) • Association of Lanao GAD Advocates, Inc • Muccard-Ranao (ALGADAI) • Network Organization for Reform (NOR) • Betans Do Care (BDC) • Noorus Salam • BUKLOD Multi-purpose Cooperative + • Pailig Development Foundation Inc. Ranao Muslim-Christian Movement for • Pakigdait Incorporated Peace & Dialogue • RANAO • Coalition for Reform and Empowerment • Ranaw Watch for Empowerment Network • Coalition of Moro Youth Movement (CMYM) (RAWATEN), Inc. • Consortium of Bangsamoro Civil Society • Reconciliatory Initiatives for Devt. (CBCS) LDS Chapter Opportunities (RIDO) Inc. • Institute for Peace and Development in • Social Initiatives for the Advancement of Mindanao (IPDM) Peace (SIAP) • Kalimudan sa Ranao Foundation Inc. • Tapukan Farmers Movement for Progress • Kapamagogopa Inc. and Concord, Inc. (TFMPC) • People’s Council (LDSPC) • UMMIND Inc and Lanao Eagles Club • Development Center (UMMID) (MARADECA) • United Mothers of Inc. (UMMI) • Mindanao Dynamic Culture of Peace Inc. (MIDCOP)

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BASILAN

• Al-Ishaan Foundation, Inc. • Muassatul Ihsan • Balanting Kasambohan People/s • Nagdilaab Foundation Organization, Inc. • Nakib Thao Center for Entrepreneurship • Bantay Basilan • ROSE Women Organization • Basilan Ulama Supreme Council • Sahaya Alnour Community Assoc.(SACA) • Basilan Women’s Initiative Foundation, Inc. Inc. • CBCS RMC Basilan • Tagah Youth Concern Inc. • Citizens Coalition for ARMM Electoral • Women Endeavor Association of Basilan Reforms (Citizens CARE) - Basilan Chapter • Yakan Initiative for Socio-economic • Kabataan Advocates for Peace & Unity Development Alliance Inc (YISEDA Inc.) Association (KAPUA) Inc. • Muslim Teachers & Staff Association • Magpatulahad Basilan

SULU

• Agri-Life Youth Organization • Nourun Nisah Organization • Hikmat • Sulu Youth Network • Kapatut Bangsa Sug • Sulu Youth Organization • Matawkasi Inc. • Sulu Youth Peace Volunteers • Muslim Leaders Association (MLA) • Tumpukan Bangsa Sama Inc.-Sulu • Nasrullah Association Inc. • Women’s Peace and Security • NDJC - Community Extension Service and Peace Center

TAWI-TAWI

• Tawi-Tawi Alliance for Genuine Unity in • Women in Peace-building Mindanao • Unified Successor for Change (USC) • Kalipunan ng mga Liping Pilipina (KALIPI) • Badjao Youth Organization • Tawi-Tawi Alliance of Civil Society • Citizens’-CARE-Tawi-Tawi Chapter Organizations (TACOS) • Ungus-Ungus Fishermen Multi-purpose • Qudwa Inc. / Al-Qudwa Integrated Learning Cooperative Center • Tawi-Tawi Mothers’ Club Marketing • Tumpukan Bangsa Sama Inc. - Tawi-Tawi Cooperative • Tarbilang Foundation, Inc. • Tong-Gusong Seaweed Farmers and • Tawi-Tawi Alliance for Good Governance Inc Fisherfolks Marketing Cooperative (TAWAG) • Sanga-Sanga Women • Tawi-Tawi Regional Agricultural College - • Buan Seaweed Farmers Cooperative Professional Women’s

WWW.DELACSE.COM.PH 9 FEBRUARY 2019 NEWSLETTER 4.0

IID CONDUCTS NATIONAL DIALOGUE, CSO MEET FOR SECOND PHASE OF DELACSE

ith the inevitable political in Mindanao, most recently organizations, their members, transition in the in supporting the push for the and their networks. WBangsamoro following the passage of the BOL. Now, as one passage of the Bangsamoro of the proponents of the second Keeping in mind that good Organic Law (BOL), it is phase of Democratic Leadership governance and sustainable imperative that the new political and Active Civil Society peace in the Bangsamoro must entity that will replace the Empowerment (DELACSE) exemplify democratic and Autonomous Region in Muslim Bangsamoro project, IID has equitable participation as it Mindanao (ARMM) exemplifies been conducting activities that transitions to a new political meaningful autonomy and specifically target CSOs and entity, the first national dialogue upholds democratic and equal expands spaces of participation among CSOs working participation among indigenous in the Bangsamoro for these Continue to next page. peoples, Christian settlers, and the Bangsamoro people in the region.

This includes providing spaces for meaningful participation in the new regional government for civil society organizations (CSOs) who represent various sectors in the Bangsamoro, especially women and youth leaders who have shown leadership and integrity as members of their communities.

The Initiatives for International Dialogue (IID) has consistently taken an active role in pushing for lasting peace and justice

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From previous page. in Mindanao and on Mindanao issues was held last October 4 in Davao City ,prior to the conduct of the Bangsamoro plebiscite.

The dialogue involved discussions regarding key milestones of the Bangsamoro political transition and points of participation and engagement for CSOs, especially regarding the process of normalization in the Bangsamoro. This involves decommissioning of combatants and camp transformation in known conflict-affected areas. There were also efforts to contextualize activities given civilian protection concerns related to the scheduled plebiscite which will ratify the for the open forum, after which drafting a joint advocacy action new Bangsamoro law and pave a workshop to map out ongoing plan which includes coordinated the way for the transition to a new efforts of the participating mechanisms for human rights Bangsamoro political entity. organizations for civilian and civilian protection during engagement in the plebiscite was the transition and normalization Resource persons included facilitated by IID. process in the region. representatives from the Bangsamoro Transition Meanwhile, the consolidation A day after the consolidation Commission (BTC), Moro meeting among CSO members meeting, MPW members and National Liberation Front and partners of the Mindanao partners held a dialogue with the (MNLF), Legal Network for PeaceWeavers (MPW) last chairperson of the Moro Islamic Truthful Elections (LENTE), December 19 helped in identifying Liberation Front, Al Haj Murad and the Institute for Autonomy issues that must be prioritized Ebrahim, who is also their sole and Governance (IAG). Reactors during the Bangsamoro nominee for Chief Minister of the from the Ranao Rescue Team transition, plotting activities new Bangsamoro political entity. (RRT), United Youth for Peace and efforts alongside expected and Development (UNYPAD), milestones along the Bangsamoro The said dialogue was the first and Balay Mindanaw set the tone peace process timeline, and time Ebrahim met with a wide network of CSOs since the passage of the BOL, and gave CSOs an opportunity to present their priorities and concerns leading up to the Bangsamoro plebiscite and transition, including plebiscite strategies in the areas slated for expansion and the .

These activities were carried out in partnership with the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG) and the Konrad-Adenauer- Stiftung (KAS) with the support of the European Union (EU).

WWW.DELACSE.COM.PH 11 FEBRUARY 2019 NEWSLETTER 4.0 ESTABLISHING BARMM

Now that the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) is ratified an interim government called the Bangsamoro Transition Authority will take power until the Bangsamoro Parliament is elected in 2022.

President Duterte will appoint the 80 members of the interim government.

The BARMM has its own Parliament composed of 80 members. These members will elect a Chief Minister who will appoint a Cabinet. The Parliament will also have a ceremonial leader called Wali. Half of the parliament will be from Political Parties, 40 percent will come from Districts just like in National Congress, and 10 percent will come from sectors.

The BARMM will adopt the Shari’ah Court system, but if one party in the dispute is not a Muslim a regular court may require jurisdiction. The traditional or tribal laws shall be applicable to disputes of indigenous peoples within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region.

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Under the BARMM, the region would have an automatic allocation of 5% of the net national internal revenue of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and the Bureau of Customs (BoC). BARMM’s share on taxes and charges in natural resources of the government would increase to 75% from the current 70%. The use of funding for the Bangsamoro Government requires transparency and accountability. The parliament shall pass an annual appropriations law that clearly defines the purpose for which it is intended.

The BARMM will aslo receive its special annual grant of PHP 5 Billion a year for 10 years intended for the rebuilding, rehabilitation, and development of its conflict areas.

Under the BARMM, the defense of the region is still the responsibility of the national government. The armed forces of the Bangsamoro will be part and parcel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), while the Bangsamoro Police force shall be a regional unit of the Philippine National Police (PNP). Combatants of the MNLF and MILF may be admitted to the police force provided that they have the necessary qualifications required by NAPOLCOM.

55 POWERS OF BARMM The BARMM shall exercise its authority over the following matters without prejudice to the general supervision of the President of the Philippines:

• Administration of justice • Disaster risk reduction and • Loans, credits, and other forms of • Administrative organization management indebtedness • Agriculture, livestock, food security • Ecological solid waste management • Mechanisms for consultations for • Ancestral domain and natural and pollution control women and marginalized sectors resources • Economic zones, industrial centers • People’s organizations • Barter trade and countertrade and free ports • Power sector investments • Budgeting • Education and skills training • Public utilities’ operations • Business name registration • Eminent domain • Public works and infrastructure • Cadastral land survey • Environment, parks, forest • Quarantine regulations • Civil service management, wildlife, and nature • Registration of births, marriages, and • Classification of public lands reserves conservation deaths, copies to be furnished the • Cooperatives and social • Fishery, marine, and aquatic Philippine Statistics Authority entrepreneurship resources • Regulation of the manufacture and • Creation, division, merger, abolition • Grants and donations distribution of food, drinks, drugs, and or alteration of boundaries of • Hajj and Umrah tobacco municipalities and barangays • Health • Science and technology research • Creation of government-owned or • Housing councils and scholarship programs controlled corporations and pioneer • Humanitarian services and • Social services, social welfare, and firms institutions charities • Creation of sources of revenue • Human rights • Sports and recreation • Cultural exchange and economic and • Indigenous peoples’ rights • Technical cooperation for human technical cooperation • Inland waters resource development • Culture and language • Inland waterways for navigation • Tourism development • Customary laws • Islamic banking and finance • Trade and industry • Development programs and laws for • Labor, employment, and occupation • Urban and rural planning development women, labor, the youth, the elderly, • Libraries and museums, • Urban land reform the differently-abled and indigenous and historical, cultural, and • Water supply and services, flood peoples archaeological sites control, and irrigation systems

WWW.DELACSE.COM.PH 13 FUN with FACTS Answer the puzzle below:

HORIZONTAL 2. President who signed Act No. 11054 5. Will be the head government of the Bangsamoro Region 9. President who signed Republic Act No. 6734 10. Republic Act No. 11054 is officialy known as 12. Chair of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission

VERTICAL 1. Process in which people choose their leaders through voting 3. This was established by Republic Act No. 6734 4. ______Autonomous Region will replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao 6. Islamic law 7. The month Republict Act No. 11054 was signed 8. Other name for Republic Act No. 11054 11. Will be the head of state of the Bangsamoro Region

Answer key will be posted in DELACSE’s Facebook and Twitter page.

This publication was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its contents are the sole responsibility of Institute for Autonomy and Governance and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.

Institute for Autonomy and Governance Konrad Adenauer Stiftung-Philippines Initiatives for International Dialogue

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