Duterte keeps BTA membership ahead of May 9 elections

The Security, Justice and Peace Cabinet Cluster (SJPCC) said Friday that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte has maintained the current composition of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).

In a statement, the SJPCC said Duterte approved its recommendation on February 21.

“The SJPCC is pleased to announce that President Rodrigo Roa Duterte had approved on 21 February 2022 its recommendation to maintain the status quo on the current composition of the BTA,” it said.

According to  SJPCC, this is to address the fact that there are only three months left before the newly-elected administration takes over in the government.

“This period will provide the incumbent members of the BTA the time to complete their crucial tasks,” it added.

Under Resolution No. 173 in October 2021, the BTA asked Duterte to let the current BTA members continue with their tasks to preserve their gains in programs, projects and legislative measures.

Also, the BTA cited the diverse ethnic-cultural and professional background, policy advocacies and accomplishments, and the extensive training of its current members.

Under Resolution No. 209 dated February 15, the BTA also requested Duterte to prioritize the reappointment of its members who are nominated by the national government to “ensure a smooth transition process without the possibility of any political disruptions taking place”.

Duterte also approved the 41 Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) nominees for the BTA as submitted by BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, the SJPCC said.

Likewise, the SJPCC noted that the President has the authority to replace those members who may be elected into office during the 2022 national elections.

“Given these major accomplishments, its current membership must not only be given due recognition, but must also be given the chance to complete what it has started,” the SJPCC said.

“By keeping the status quo in the BTA, we are not only building on and sustaining the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process; we are laying the foundations where genuine development and long-lasting peace can take root and flourish, and where our Moro brothers and sisters can look ahead to a better and brighter future,” it added. —LBG, GMA News