Sulu still included in BARMM 2025 budget — Poe

The Sulu province is still included in the allocated budget for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) despite the decision of the Supreme Court, according to Senator Grace Poe.

“BARMM is anticipating that Sulu is part of their group so there’s a P9 billion block grant. Unless it’s the final decision of the Supreme Court, right now, kung ano pa yung natatanggap ng Sulu ganoon pa rin yung matatanggap nila,” Poe said during the interpellation for the 2025 proposed budget of the Department of Budget and Management.

She added that a "technical working group" will be formed to develop "guidance to ensure minimal disruption to essential services.”

This is to prepare the transition in anticipation of the final decision of the Supreme Court.

The Bangsamoro Government has asked the Supreme Court to re-include the Sulu province in the Bangsamoro Region.

This came after the Supreme Court upheld the validity of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, but also declared Sulu is not part of the region. 

In October, the national government and the Bangsamoro government agreed for operational continuity in Sulu despite the Supreme Court decision.

The national government and the Bangsamoro government have agreed for operational continuity in Sulu, despite a prevailing Supreme Court ruling excluding the southern Philippine province from BARMM. 

Meanwhile, its 5,700 employees will continue to receive their salaries in 2024. — BAP, GMA Integrated News