Inclusive BARMM government eyed amid coalition of 46 parliament members
DAVAO CITY, Philippines — Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua has vowed to pursue an inclusive government that bridges political divisions and serves all communities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
This, following the signing of coalition documents by 46 elected Members of Parliament.
In a press briefing in this city, Macacua said the coalition would prioritize unity among the people of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) after the region’s first parliamentary elections.
The incoming government, he said, must serve constituents regardless of their political affiliations or electoral choices.
“After the formal assumption of the Government of the Day, we will pursue a program for the unity of all Bangsamoro,” Macacua said.
He described the coalition as broad and inclusive, reflecting the diversity of the region and the need for political leaders to work together beyond the divisions created during the election campaign.
Macacua emphasized that the responsibility of the new government would extend beyond those who voted for its members, encompassing every community, province and sector across the Bangsamoro region.
He said the coalition would reach out to other groups, heal divisions and build a government capable of responding to the needs of the entire Bangsamoro population.
The commitment to inclusive governance comes as the newly elected Parliament prepares to organize the region’s first fully elected parliamentary government, marking a significant stage in BARMM’s transition from an interim administration.
The 80-member Bangsamoro Parliament emerged from the September 14 elections, in which no single political party secured the 41 seats needed to command a majority. The coalition arrangement is therefore central to efforts to establish a working parliamentary majority.
The 46 lawmakers who signed the coalition documents exceed the 41-member threshold required for a majority in the 80-seat Parliament, providing the coalition with a numerical basis to organize the incoming government.
The Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP), chaired by Macacua, emerged as the largest party in the elections, securing 31 seats when party and district seats were combined, according to election reporting. The United Bangsamoro Justice Party and the BARMM Grand Coalition also secured substantial representation in the new legislature.
Macacua thanked the 46 elected lawmakers for their trust and commitment, as well as the national government for respecting BARMM’s institutions and political processes.
He said the coalition was prepared to move forward once Parliament convenes, with its members united by the objective of serving the Bangsamoro people.
The coalition’s formation comes at a crucial point in the region’s political transition, as elected lawmakers prepare to assume their responsibilities and determine the leadership and direction of the incoming parliamentary government.
The 80 newly elected members are scheduled to assume office on October 30, when Parliament is expected to organize the new government and elect a chief minister.
The transition reportedly carries implications for the broader Bangsamoro peace process, particularly the need to sustain peace gains while strengthening political institutions and advancing development across the autonomous region.
Macacua said the coalition was ready and prepared to move forward when Parliament convenes, expressing confidence that its members could work together toward a common goal of serving the Bangsamoro people.
He ended his statement with the Islamic expression, “Wa billahi Taufiq wal hidaya,” invoking divine guidance. (Contributed story)
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