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Marcos transfers Sulu to Region IX following SC decision on BARMM
Signed on July 30, Marcos' Executive Order 91 said there was an ''urgent need to effectively implement and address the impacts'' of the SC ruling, ''including the regional affiliation of the Province of Sulu, while continuing to ensure the uninterrupted governmental operations and delivery of essential government projects, programs, and activities within Sulu.''
He directed all national government agencies to include Sulu under Region IX for regional administration, development planning, investment programming and budgeting, and other relevant purposes.
Marcos also established a technical working group (TWG) headed by the Secretary of the Department of Budget and Management.
The TWG's functions are to oversee and monitor the implementation of the SC decision, prepare and release a transition plan, address any issues or concerns arising from the SC ruling, request assistance from relevant agencies in implementing the EO, and submit an annual report to the Office of the President.
Last September, the SC upheld the constitutionality of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), but it also declared that Sulu should not have been included in the BARMM.
Sulu rejected the ratification of the BOL during the plebiscite in 2019. —VBL, GMA Integrated News
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