Bautista vows to pursue dev't plans for BARMM if he wins in the May 2022 polls
Should he win in the upcoming May 2022 senatorial elections, senatorial candidate Herbert “Bistek” Bautista said he will support measures aimed at furthering the development of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Bautista made the promise following a meeting with senior BARMM ministers and speaking before the region’s parliamentary body. According to him, he was able to get a copy of the BARMM development plan.
“Of course, this will be updated because of the extension given to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA)” said Bautista, who is running for senator under the UniTeam Alliance of former Senator Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr. and Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.
Bautista said he would go over the development plans of the BARMM—the product of peace talks between the Philippine government and Moro rebels who had been waging a separatist war for decades.
“I want to see where I can help as a senator of the republic,” said Bautista, who has entered into the so-called “Magic 12” according to latest results of the Pulse Asia survey.
On the BARMM’s website, officials of the autonomous region plan to carry out special programs for the transition of former Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants and their families to productive life.
The tenure of BTA has been extended until 2025 following appeals from BARMM officials to give them more time to lay the groundwork for a fully functioning government.
The combatants would be listed as beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program or the 4Ps—the government cash assistance program for the poor—and PhilHealth, the state-run health insurance agency.
BARMM’s agenda also include plans to develop power sources and implement transparency, accountability and prudent use of funds by the regional government.
Earlier, Bautista expressed his support for the passage of the Marawi Compensation Bill into law before President Duterte’s term expired, noting that it has nearly been five years since terror groups with links to Islamic State laid siege to Marawi City.
At least 300,000 city residents remained displaced and living either in decrepit shelters or with relatives.
Bautista noted that the measure has already been approved by Congress and is awaiting the President’s signature.
“The passage of the Marawi City Compensation Bill will be the legacy of the 18th Congress and the Duterte administration to the Maranao IDPs and residents of ground zero in Marawi City,” he said.