MANILA - The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) rolled out P42 million as allocation—of which P29 million has been released as cash—to support the operational requirements of the Bangsamoro Transition Commission, in line with the Aquino administration’s goal of facilitating socio-economic reform and development in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) through the creation of the Bangsamoro Basic Law.

“This release is meant to cover the initial budgetary requirements of the Transition Commission, particularly for its operational needs. The Aquino administration earlier mobilized people and resources to establish the commission and ensure its success in drafting the Bangsamoro Basic Law. In the long-term, the Transition Commission will play a crucial role in fostering and sustaining peaceful dialogue between the Administration and the Bangsamoro,” said Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad.

Pursuant to Executive Order No. 120, the Transition Commission was constituted to draft the proposed Bangsamoro Basic Law, with provisions consistent with the 2012 Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

The P42 million will fund the Transition Commission’s requirements for Personnel Services (P17.03 million)—specifically for 16 officials appointed to the commission—and its Maintenance and Other Operating Expenditures (P25 million). The releases were funded against the Miscellaneous and Personnel Benefits Fund (MPBF) under the 2013 General Appropriations Act and the FY 2013 Contingent Fund, respectively.

The amount requested is part of the P100 million authorized by President Benigno Aquino to support the operations and personnel requirements of the commission, chargeable against the FY 2013 Contingent Fund and subject to further evaluation of the DBM.

“We are taking steps towards supporting the realization of a truly united, accountable and participative Bangsamoro, guided by our peace and development agenda for the region. We believe that the fruition of our goal to provide better public services, improved economic development, and more job opportunities for Bangsamoro constituents are already under way,” added Abad.