DAVAO CITY – Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao Spokesperson and Cabinet Secretary Mohd Asnin Pendatun has called for stronger moral governance, genuine public participation, and greater accountability to promote transparency and prevent government abuse in the region.
A FORUM – Visions for Governance: Navigating BARMM’s Political Landscape through a Grand Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue – organized by the Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), The Asia Foundation (TAF), and Agency for Cooperation in Technical and Economic Development (ACTED), was held in Davao City on Thursday, Feb. 27. (Ivy Tejano)
Pendatun made the call following the story of Babu Pindulungan Manapa, who he met seven years ago during their plebiscite monitoring activity for what would eventually be called the Special Geographic Area (SGA).
He said that this was the first time for Babu, a centenarian, to vote due to various challenges.
For her, the only vote that genuinely mattered was for the Bangsamoro’s future. Because of that, Pendatun said the government’s accountability must always be to Babu and the BARMM people.
Speaking before the 70 participants of the Visions for Governance: Navigating BARMM’s Political Landscape through a Grand Multi-Stakeholder Dialogue in a hotel here on Thursday, Feb. 27, the official stressed the importance of aligning actions to track and assess government performance.
“We must enforce moral governance, where all actions are not just legally viable but also aligned with our shared moral values, ensure the civil society participation is functioning effectively, and promote public involvement and social accountability to assess the government,” Pendatun said.
Pendatun said accountability is the cornerstone of any democratic government. He cited that the transition has faced challenges and milestones, creating key institutions, fundamental laws, and stronger systems to turn people’s aspirations into action.
The Bangsamoro earlier developed a Community Monitoring and Actionable Complaints Tracking System (CM-ACTS) where people can freely express their comments, concerns, and suggestions to the Bangsamoro government through smartphone apps, social networking sites, or calls.
Pendatun said civil society organizations (CSOs) are regularly invited as participants, observers, or resource persons in policy and decision-making bodies within the Bangsamoro government. The mechanisms are in place, he added.
“However, governance is not just about building structures. It is about fostering a culture of accountability that permeates every leadership level. A culture of accountability that ensures we have a working government worthy of the name Bangsamoro,” Pendatun said.
The BARMM Cabinet Secretary said open governance reduces opportunities for abuse, noting that the Bangsamoro government was born out of the struggle for self-determination, one that recognizes the diverse identities, histories, and aspirations of the Bangsamoro people.
“Inclusivity is not an option; it is an obligation. Our governance model should reflect the pluralistic nature of our society, ensuring that no one is left behind. Inclusivity means guaranteeing political representation for all marginalized groups,” he said.
Pendatun emphasized that inclusivity ensures adequate access to resources and opportunities, particularly for those in geographically disadvantaged areas, and fosters inter-community dialogue to bridge divides and strengthen social cohesion.
“As we stand on the threshold of the 2025 parliamentary elections, we must recognize that our success hinges on the trust of our people. Trust is built on accountability, inclusivity, and meaningful participation,” Pendatun said.
Pendatun, in his message to the participating stakeholders and candidates of the BARMM election on Oct. 13, said their role in shaping the future of the Bangsamoro is indispensable. He urged them to continue working as one to keep the government accountable and inclusive for everyone.
He emphasized that this is not just a chance for personal or political growth but a commitment to serving the Bangsamoro as their struggle continues beyond its establishment. He said it is merely the means to genuinely realize the people’s aspirations.
Pendatun encouraged the Bangsamoro to turn politics into a unifying force, emphasizing that what is often seen as a divisive exercise can strengthen social ties. Quoting the Chief Minister’s call, the official said leaders must serve the Bangsamoro with pure hearts and sincere intentions.
Also present during the dialogue were the 10 accredited regional political parties: Al-Ittihad-UKB, Bangsamoro Party, Bangsamoro People's Democratic Party, Bangsamoro People's Party, BARMM Grand Coalition, Mahardika Party, Moro Ako Party, Progresibong Bangsamoro Party, Serbisyong Inklusibo-Alyansang Progresibo Party, and United Bangsamoro Justice Party.
Matthew Hedges, regional director for Asia and Americas Westminster Foundation for Democracy (WFD), said the dialogue offers a single space for collaboration, bringing together representatives from government, civil society, political entities, and the international community.
“It is through these critical conversations that we can explore sustainable governance solutions that are both transparent and representative of the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people,” the WFD director said in an interview.
Hedges said one of the fundamental objectives of this dialogue is to amplify the key issues shaping the BARMM elections that, although postponed, remains only five months away. He added that this postponement has presented both opportunities and challenges.
“It provides time to fortify democratic institutions, yet it also tests our collective ability to sustain political engagement and public trust during this extended transition,” Hedges said, expressing respect for the commitment of its leaders and stakeholders to navigating their path with integrity.
Hedges said the WFD stands firmly in its oath to supporting democratic resilience, accountability, and inclusive political processes in BARMM, emphasizing the key to success lies in open dialogue and the willingness to listen.
Ginny Haythornwaite, country director of the Agency for Cooperation in Technical and Economic Development (ACTED) in Paris, France, said the multi-stakeholder dialogue underscores their collective commitment to fostering democratic governance and peace-building in BARMM.
“The postponement of the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections highlights the importance and timeliness of this event, representing a unique opportunity to shape the future of governance in the region,” Haythornwaite said.
Haythornwaite said the ACTED is honored to collaborate with the WFD and the Asia Foundation in supporting this endeavor, which brings together diverse voices from across the region to discuss and strategize the most effective path forward for BARMM.
“With ACTED’s ongoing peace-building project, funded by the Australian Government's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, we are particularly focused on the eight municipalities within the Special Geographic Area,” she said.
Haythornwaite said their mission is to bring the local chief executives from these municipalities, along with local authorities, closer to the BARMM leadership. She added that the initiative aims to address the issues, concerns, and governance challenges in the SGA municipalities.
Anna Snowgale Rupa, the peace program and political advisor of the British Embassy in Manila, and Johanna Stratton, counsellor of the Political and Public Diplomacy of the Australian Embassy in Manila, also expressed their support to the WFD and the BARMM multi-stakeholder dialogue.
“We believe that this dialogue will not only prepare regional political parties for their crucial roles post-election but also ensure that governance is responsive to the needs of all the communities, including marginalized groups,” Stratton said.
She added that the October 2025 parliamentary election is a pivotal step for Davao, reflecting the region's decades-long efforts to create a government that is sensitive, transparent, and inclusive, particularly in remote and often overlooked areas.
“The Special Geographic Area is at a critical juncture, and it is important that we pay special attention to the issues and needs of the SGA as well. I would like to commend the efforts of all stakeholders involved,” Stratton said.
Rupa reminded the BARMM political parties that elections are not just about winning seats. She said their upcoming election is about proving that leadership is about service, accountability, and the ability to bring people together rather than divide them.
“The people of BARMM are looking for leaders who will listen, who will act, and who will make governance works for everyone,” Rupa said, adding that the credibility of the process will not come from external actors but from the participating sectors in the dialogue.