PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III has approved the allocation of initial P42 million to support the operational requirements of the 15-man Transition Commission, a body tasked to draft the Basic Law for the Bangsamoro.
Budget Secretary Florencio Abad said that of the total amount, P29 million has been released as cash.
"This release is meant to cover the initial budgetary requirements of the Transition Commission, particularly for its operational needs. The Aquino administration has already mobilized the necessary talent and resources to establish the commission and ensure its success in drafting the Bangsamoro Basic Law," he said.
"In the long-term the Transition Commission will play a crucial role in fostering and sustaining peaceful dialogue between the administration and the Bangsamoro," he added.
Pursuant to Executive Order 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 15 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 Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 Contingent Fund, respectively.
The amount requested is part of the P100 million authorized by the President to support the operations and personnel requirements of the commission, chargeable against the FY 2013 Contingent Fund and subject to further evaluation of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).
"We are taking the necessary 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 is already under way," Abad said. (SDR/Sunnex)