Marcos Declares Sulu Under Zamboanga Peninsula Following SC Ruling on Bangsamoro Law
The order follows the province's rejection of the Bangsamoro Organic Law's ratification in 2019 and aims to align national government operations with the High Court's ruling. The executive order stressed the need for a seamless transition of programs and services to ensure uninterrupted governance and service delivery.
A technical working group chaired by the Department of Budget and Management has been created to lead the transition. It includes Cabinet officials, the Bangsamoro Government, and the governor of Sulu. The group will be tasked to issue a transition plan within 60 days and submit annual reports to Malacañang.
By 2026, all national and local programs in Sulu will fall under Region IX's jurisdiction. Government workers affected by the shift will be allowed to transfer to other national or BARMM agencies, or to local government units. Those opting for retirement or separation are barred from reemployment for five years, unless in teaching or medical roles. Premature reemployment will require refunding benefits on a pro-rated basis.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Filipino Times
26 minutes ago
- Filipino Times
Paoay Lake declared protected area under new law signed by Marcos
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law Republic Act No. 12230, declaring Paoay Lake in Ilocos Norte a protected area under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS). Republic Act No. 12230, signed on August 4, designates the Paoay Lake Protected Landscape (PLPL) under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS), ensuring long-term conservation and management of the lake's rich biodiversity and cultural importance. A Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) will be created to oversee the implementation of the law. The board will be composed of representatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the provincial governor, local legislators, the congressional district representative, and the mayor of Paoay. The PAMB will be responsible for approving policies, programs, and management plans for the PLPL, allocating funds, and setting appropriate fees and charges. The day-to-day administration and protection of the area will be handled by the Protected Area Management Office (PAMO). To support operations, the law also creates the Paoay Lake Protected Landscape Integrated Protected Area Fund (PLPL-IPAF). Revenues may come from regulated use of resources, lease of multiple-use zones, business contributions, collected fees, and grants or donations from both local and international sources.
Filipino Times
8 hours ago
- Filipino Times
New BJMP Leadership Brings Fresh Momentum to Jail Reform Efforts
The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology has entered a new phase of reform and modernization under the leadership of Jail Director Ruel S. Rivera, whose first year at the helm has seen major strides in easing jail overcrowding, expanding inmate rehabilitation, and tightening security across the country's detention facilities. Since early 2025, the BJMP has recorded significant improvements across key performance indicators, with the national jail overcrowding rate now down to 296%—the lowest in several years. This drop is the result of an intensified infrastructure program and tighter coordination with the judiciary and other legal institutions to expedite the release of qualified detainees. More than 85,000 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) have been released through paralegal services strengthened by partnerships with the Supreme Court, Public Attorney's Office, and various legal aid institutions. This effort also eliminated cases of overstaying detainees, marking a major human rights milestone for the bureau. In its continued war against illegal drugs, BJMP declared hundreds of facilities either drug-free or drug-cleared. Over 300,000 Greyhound operations were conducted, leading to numerous seizures of contraband and preventing the entry of illicit items into detention centers. These accomplishments come alongside increased collaboration with law enforcement agencies. The bureau has also focused heavily on inmate rehabilitation. Thousands of PDLs have graduated from alternative learning programs and skills training courses, while more than a hundred inmates earned college degrees under the 'College Behind Bars' initiative. Livelihood programs have enabled tens of thousands of PDLs to generate income, with total earnings exceeding PHP 100 million in the last year alone. Even civic rights are being restored. In a landmark accomplishment, over 31,000 inmates participated in the 2025 midterm elections, reinforcing the agency's commitment to restoring dignity and democratic participation behind bars. Internally, the BJMP has strengthened its human resources by hiring thousands of new officers, improving the officer-to-inmate ratio, and reducing jail incidents by 10%. Recognition has followed, with the agency receiving awards for public financial management, digital governance, and institutional transparency. The bureau's new leadership has also deepened engagement with international and local stakeholders, including the United Nations, Red Cross, and the Department of Agrarian Reform, to improve healthcare, nutrition, and rights-based policies inside jails. The New Perspective Media team has recently paid a courtesy visit to the BJMP main office to explore future collaboration.
Filipino Times
8 hours ago
- Filipino Times
PH, India to Forge Strategic Partnership to Boost Ties
The Philippines and India are set to formally elevate their bilateral relations to a strategic partnership, signaling a new chapter in cooperation between the two democracies. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., currently on a state visit to India, made the announcement during a meeting with the Filipino community in New Delhi on Monday, August 4, ahead of his scheduled talks with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Droupadi Murmu. 'This relationship is going to receive a major upgrade,' Marcos said, adding that the new partnership will cover areas such as defense, trade, health, tourism, and science and technology. Diplomatic relations between the two countries date back to 1949, with ties deepening in recent years due to shared strategic interests, including maritime security and regional stability in the Indo-Pacific, particularly in the South China Sea. New agreements in law, culture, and technology are expected to be signed during the visit. India, under its 'Act East' policy, has been expanding engagement in Southeast Asia, viewing the Philippines as a key partner. Marcos also acknowledged the contributions of overseas Filipinos in India and reassured them that their welfare remains a top priority for his administration.
