MARCOS URGES DEMOCRATIC PARTICIPATION IN BARMM, CALLS FOR UNITY AHEAD OF ELECTIONS

PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. underscored the vital role of democratic participation in shaping the future of the Bangsamoro region, calling on the people of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to use the upcoming elections as an opportunity to make their voices heard and to strengthen accountable, people-centered governance.

“It is our hope that the upcoming BARMM elections will serve as an opportunity for our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters to freely express their voices and aspirations,” President Marcos said in his speech during the opening ceremony of the 7th Founding Anniversary of BARMM at the Shariff Kabunsuan Cultural Complex in Cotabato City.

“We aspire to further strengthen a leadership that truly serves the people—one that reinforces democracy and accountability,” the President added.

The President said the future generations deserve the kind of governance that is built on accountability, participation, and shared responsibility.

“My fellow Filipinos, we must stand as guardians of the progress that we have made through peace. Let us always choose unity and cooperation over division,” President Marcos stressed.

“So, together, let us build a Bagong Pilipinas marked by peace, by unity, and a shared belief in a brighter future,” the President concluded.

The Bangsamoro Organic Law under Republic Act No. 11054 was enacted in 2018 and ratified during the two-part January 21 and February 6, 2019 plebiscite, providing the legal framework to establish BARMM that formally replaced the former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. |