Following its successful Manila launch in August, "The MP's Little Green Book: A Personal Guide for Members of the Bangsamoro Parliament" officially arrived in Cotabato City on Wednesday, September 25th. The event attracted around 200 guests, including Bangsamoro Parliamentarians, their staff, and various stakeholders from across the region.

Co-authors MP Baintan Adil-Ampatuan and Violeta T. Veloso, former Executive Director of the Committee Affairs Department of the House of Representatives, acknowledged the book's overwhelmingly positive reception. The handbook aims to guide, particularly first-time MPs, in fulfilling their duties within the Bangsamoro Parliament's unique parliamentary framework.

"The workings of the parliamentary form of government are relatively unknown to many," the authors explained. “As a hopefully easily accessible and friendly read, this guide can be used by current and future MPs and their staff to supplement usual reading materials.”

Beyond its practical function, the handbook also documents the Bangsamoro Parliament's nascent stages and its distinct governmental structure. “This [book] was born out of compassion and in recognition of the efforts of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) leadership, who have steered this transition government through all the challenges it encountered," elaborated the authors.

The title, "The Little Green Book," reflects these dual purposes. 'Little' signifies its role as “a humble offering to those entrusted with the huge responsibility of scrutinizing and crafting policies," the authors explained. 'Green’, meanwhile, “symbolizes hope and, therefore, the aspirations of the Bangsamoro. ‘Green’ is also a figure of speech used to refer to neophytes, who we hope will gain important insights into the strategic role of the regional Parliament in forging peace and development,” the authors added.

In a message delivered by MP Eddie Alih, Bangsamoro Parliament Speaker Ali Pangalian Balindong lauded the authors for their contribution. He emphasized the book's significance as a valuable tool for current and future MPs in navigating their multifaceted responsibilities.

Speaker Balindong highlighted MP Ampatuan's extensive legislative experience and Director Veloso's national legislative expertise, which combined to create "a comprehensive and effective resource for resolving parliamentary concerns and crafting policies that promote genuine peace and development." While acknowledging it cannot replace codified laws and regulations, the Speaker praised the book as a "handy source of information" and a testament to the Bangsamoro Parliament's triumph over challenges during its formative stages.

MP Diamila Disimban-Ramos and former MP and current Maguindanao del Norte Governor Abdulraof Macacua delivered messages of support, acknowledging the authors' efforts in bringing the handbook to fruition. Peer reviewer Maria Carmen Fernandez hailed the book as a "milestone" documenting the Bangsamoro's journey in establishing and operating its Parliament, the first of its kind in the Philippines.

Director Veloso emphasized the crucial role of legislators despite the public's tendency to assign blame for economic challenges. She cited landmark legislation promoting free education, senior citizen benefits, and universal healthcare as testaments to the legislature's role in delivering public good.

“This to me is the beauty of democratic governance and why representation, the job of parliamentarians, is critical,” she added.

Atty. Benedicto Bacani, Executive Director of the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG), a co-publisher alongside MP Baintan Adil-Ampatuan's Office, expressed his gratitude to the authors. He emphasized the handbook's potential to equip current and future parliamentarians with the tools needed to navigate their complex roles.

The impact and significance of this book are substantial, according to Bacani, particularly as the Bangsamoro prepares for the May 2025 parliamentary elections. He envisioned the handbook as a resource not only for current members but also for future generations of parliamentarians and political parties seeking guidance in selecting qualified candidates. Bacani concluded by highlighting the book's role in fostering common ground and strengthening relations within the Bangsamoro.

Divided into six sections, the handbook outlines essential aspects of an MP's role, encompassing topics such as 1) what to do first; 2) legislation; 3) oversight; 4) representation; 5) other unwritten rules; and 6) wrapping up and moving forward. The authors employed a conversational tone and incorporated visuals like diagrams, maps, and official BARMM documents to enhance readability. Real-world examples and anecdotes further complement the practical guidance, aiming to equip a broad audience, including new and seasoned MPs, students, and researchers, with valuable tools and insights.

The handbook is produced with the support of the Australian Government.

The Australian Embassy in the Philippines, represented by Johanna Stratton, Counsellor for Political and Public Advocacy, conveyed its congratulations to the authors.

“We at the embassy recognize the value of supporting this effort, as it contributes to strengthening the Bangsamoro Parliament, which we believe is very important,” Stratton said.

Addressing the audience in Cotabato City, Ms. Stratton reiterated the Australian Government’s support for peacebuilding in Mindanao and emphasized the role that strong institutions and good governance play in fostering peace and stability.