MP Abdulbasit R. Benito Leads ...

The 4-day consultation, which runs until May 18, is spearheaded by Member of Parliament Abdulbasit R. Benito, the bill’s principal author. The initiative seeks to ensure that the proposed measure—aimed at institutionalizing civil society participation in governance across the BARMM region—is legally sound, inclusive, and reflective of on-the-ground realities.

Providing critical insights and guidance during the discussions are legal experts from the Policy Research and Legal Services (PRLS), Experts from the Legal Division of the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE) and Ministry of Finance, Budget and Management (MFBM) who served as resource persons for the activity. Their input focused on aligning the bill with the Bangsamoro Organic Law, national legal frameworks, and principles of good governance.

“Law is not just about structure—it must reflect the values of participation, inclusion, and justice,” shared one of the PRLS resource persons, underscoring the importance of legal consultations in legislative work.

Joining the discussion are CSO leaders from various parts of the BARMM region, bringing to the table their experiences and aspirations as development partners. Their active participation ensures that the bill is not only legally strong but also deeply rooted in the needs of the communities it aims to empower.

In his message, MP Benito emphasized that the proposed bill is a product of many dialogues and consultations, and today’s legal vetting is a vital step before formal filing. “This is not just a bill—it’s a bridge between the people and the Parliament. Our goal is to institutionalize the role of CSOs as active contributors in shaping the future of the Bangsamoro,” he said.

As the consultation continues, both legal experts and CSO stakeholders remain committed to refining the proposed legislation—a landmark step toward a more participatory and democratic Bangsamoro governance.