The Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG) successfully hosted a forum on November 12, 2024, in Manila, focusing on the exclusion of the province of Sulu from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), enacted in 2018, established the BARMM as a political entity with its own government structure. The jurisdiction of BARMM was determined by a plebiscite in 2019, where most provinces and local governments in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) ratified the law. However, Sulu voted against the BOL. In response to Sulu’s inclusion in the Bangsamoro despite their 'no' vote, the province filed a petition before the Supreme Court of the Philippines challenging the law.

On September 9, 2024, six years after the petition was filed, the Supreme Court upheld the validity of the BOL but declared Sulu as not part of the Bangsamoro region. The Court found unconstitutional the interpretation of the provision in the law that directed the provinces and cities of ARMM to vote as one geographical unit, including those that did not vote to be included. This interpretation violated Article X Section 18 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution, which states that only provinces, cities, and geographic areas voting favorably in the plebiscite shall be included in the autonomous region. The Supreme Court’s decision was based on the outcome of the 2019 plebiscite, where 54% of Sulu’s voters rejected the BOL. Consequently, it was deemed incorrect to include Sulu in the BARMM.

The forum addressed crucial issues such as political and institutional arrangements for Sulu, and the implications for both the BARMM and Sulu in terms of governance, economy, and elections.

Participants included representatives from the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, BARMM Government, national government agencies, international organizations, civil society, and members of the academe.

Senator Robin Padilla, with his deep ties to the Bangsamoro people, shared insights on the peace process and the region’s future.

The panel discussed the implications of the Supreme Court ruling and explored potential solutions. Key panelists included CabSec. Mohd Asnin Pendatun, Spokesperson of the BARMM Government; Dir. Ishmael Bahjin, Deputy Head of the Intergovernmental Relations Body Secretariat; MP Atty. Laisa Masuhud Alamia, Deputy Speaker of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority; MP Engr. Don Mustapha Loong, Member of Parliament of the BTA; Atty. Algamar Latiph, a lawyer and human rights advocate; Amina Rasul, Lead Convenor of the Philippine Center of Islam and Democracy; Nelson Mukarram of Kapatut Bangsa Sug; Fatmawati Salapuddin of Lupah Sug Bangsamoro Women Association Inc.; and Phoebe Adorable of Climate Conflict Action Asia.

Supported by the Australian Government, the forum provided a platform for stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities arising from Sulu’s exclusion from the BARMM.