COTABATO CITY, July 21, 2025 — Member of Parliament Abdulbasit R. Benito, an active member of the Committee on Public Works (CPW) in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), took part in today’s significant committee meeting held at Al Nor Convention Center, Cotabato City. The session was presided over by CPW Chairperson MP Jaafar Apollo Mikhail Matalam, and marked the approval of several key measures aimed at promoting transparency and environmental sustainability in the region.
Among the highlights of the meeting was the approval of BTA Bill No. 219, a forward-looking legislative proposal that mandates all infrastructure projects in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region to be geotagged. The bill was passed during the committee meeting held Monday evening, shortly after the BTA’s regular parliamentary session.
The proposed measure requires the use of geotagged photographs at four critical stages of project implementation: before construction, during mobilization, through monthly progress reports, and upon completion.
MP Benito expressed his strong support for the bill, emphasizing that it aligns with the Bangsamoro government's commitment to transparency and good governance. “This measure strengthens public accountability. Through geotagging, we can ensure that every project is trackable, verifiable, and accessible to the people,” he said.
Chairman MP Jaafar Apollo Mikhail Matalam also commended the committee’s collective efforts, saying, “The passage of this bill is a leap forward in institutionalizing transparency mechanisms in infrastructure development. It reflects our resolve to build with integrity.”
Lawmakers believe that this requirement will not only promote efficient project monitoring but also significantly deter misuse of public funds and bolster citizen confidence in government infrastructure initiatives.
In addition to BTA Bill No. 219, the committee—under MP Matalam’s leadership—also adopted two vital resolutions:
A resolution encouraging the broader use of renewable energy in the Bangsamoro Region, supporting long-term environmental and energy sustainability;
A resolution urging national and regional agencies to conduct dredging operations in the Rio Grande de Mindanao (Pulangi River), specifically in vulnerable zones from the Special Geographic Area (SGA) to Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur, to mitigate flooding risks and protect communities.
MP Benito, known for his consistent advocacy for good governance and human rights, described the meeting as a “productive and future-focused” session that reflects the BTA’s commitment to responsive and accountable leadership.
“Today’s decisions show our dedication to building not only infrastructure but also trust, sustainability, and resilience for our people,” he added.
July 21, 2025 - BY Admin