More than 50 petitions submitted for BARMM inclusion

THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) is now reviewing more than 50 petitions filed for inclusion in the Bangsomoro Autonomous Region in Mindanao (BARMM) and the approved list is targeted for release “within December,” according to Comelec Chairman Sheriff M. Abas. Hearings and presentation of evidence are ongoing, he said, after which the petitions will be raffled off to the Comelec commissioners for decision. The Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL), which provides the setting up of the BARMM to replace the existing ARMM, will be subject to a referendum on Jan 21, 2019. Last month, the Comelec issued guidelines for areas contiguous to the territorial jurisdiction of BARMM that want to be part of the plebiscite. On the P857 million proposed budget for the plebiscite, Mr. Abas said they are scheduled to meet with the Senate next month for the final plenary on sourcing the fund. — Gillian M. Cortez