The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) approved the release of P335.81 million as Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM) share in taxes.
Budget Secretary Amenah F. Pangandaman said on Thursday, Nov. 10, said that BARMM gets P335.81 million share from the taxes and other fees collected within the autonomous region.
“The release of funds means more development projects to be implemented for the people and government of BARMM. This is important in their exercise of their right to self-governance,” Pangandaman said in a statement.
Republic Act No. 11054, or the Organic Law for the BARMM, states that the national government shall have 25 percent distribution of share of taxes while the Bangsamoro Government shall have 75 percent distribution of share of taxes.
This is inclusive of the shares of the constituent local government units (LGUs), provided that for the first 10-years from the effectivity of the said law, the 25 percent share of the national government shall accrue to the Bangsamoro government.
“As a fellow Muslim, I am happy that in my capacity as Budget Secretary, I have the opportunity to champion programs for BARMM and Mindanao. As mentioned, the DBM will continue to help BARMM, in every way we can, in their transition process,” Pangandaman said.
Pangandaman earlier vowed to promote inclusive development in Mindanao. She is the only Muslim member in the cabinet of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.
In October 2021, Department of Finance said the national government was looking at including additional programs in the BARMM under the proposed 2023 national budget.
Under Section 13, Article VI of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), national programs and projects in the BARMM shall continue to be funded by the national government without prejudice to the power of the Bangsamoro Government to provide supplemental funding.
The national programs and projects stated under the BOL include the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program, Health Facility Enhancement Program, School Building Program, and retained hospitals of the Department of Health.
The law also covers programs under the Philippine Heath Insurance Corp. or PhilHealth, the social pension of senior citizens, and the Task Force Bangon Marawi.
The national government and BARMM have previously agreed that the list is not an exclusive one and that agencies may still fund other national programs and projects in the Bangsamoro region as decided upon by the two sides.