Category: News and Events

PRLS joined the REAP Forum and UP-BARMM Institute Consultation

PRLS actively participated in the REAP Forum and UP-BARMM Institute Consultation held on June 1, 2023, at the Al Nor Hotel and Convention Center, Cotabato City.

The University of the Philippines Mindanao (UPMin), in partnership with the University of the Philippines Mindanao Foundation Inc. (UPMFI), hosted a forum entitled “Reinforcing Engagement with Academe through Partnerships: Livelihood Improvement through Facilitated Extension (LIFE) in BARMM” with stakeholders in the Bangsamoro region.

Each session held discussions with stakeholders to bolster sustainability plans for the current UPMFI project and solicit inputs that are crucial to the development of the future UP-BARMM Institute. The forum seeks to continue efforts and build on the stated priorities of the Memorandum of Understanding between the University of the Philippines and the Bangsamoro Government to support the transition period in the region.

PRLS x ICRC held RTD to create Humanitarian Handbook for the BARMM Parliamentarians

Emanating from the memorandum order no. 0323-030 series of 2023 issued by the Office of the Parliament Speaker of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) designating Policy Research and Legal Services to facilitate the creation and development of the “Humanitarian Handbook for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentarians” and in coordination with the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), a roundtable discussion (RTD)  was held at Royal Hall, Pagana Kutawato, Cotabato City, last May 17, 2023, Wednesday.

The RTD aimed to consult your different offices to develop the completion of the Bangsamoro humanitarian handbook with the following contents: (1) Overview of International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and related laws; (1.1) IHL general overview; (1.2) distinctions between IHL and International Human Rights Law; (1.3) IHL in the Philippines; (1.4) International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement in the Philippines; (1.5) IHL and Islamic Law; (2.) Role of the BARMM Parliament on IHL; (2.1) enacting legislation on conflict and IHL-related themes; (2.2) possible participation in the IHL ad hoc committee; (3) Key humanitarian issues in the BARMM such as urban warfare, sexual and gender-based violence, women protection, children protection, missing and dignified management of dead, IDPs, refugees, health care, humanitarian access, terrorism and counterterrorism, PWDs, cultural properties, paramilitary groups and private armies, data protection in humanitarian activities, victim compensation, and environmental protection; and (4) References and model laws in the Philippines.

Meeting between PRLS and MP Atty Ras Mitmug: Potential Collaborations for 2023

The PRLS team had a productive meeting with MP Atty Ras Mitmug to discuss potential collaborations on key initiatives on 23 February 2023. 

We’re excited about these potential collaborations and look forward to seeing what the future holds! Stay tuned for more updates on these initiatives.

Bangsamoro Parliament Proposes New Petition Committee for Enhanced Transparency and Accountability

COTABATO CITY, PHILIPPINES – The Policy Research and Legal Service (PRLS) of the Bangsamoro Parliament recently presented a research study to the members of the Blue Ribbon Committee. The study focused on the establishment of a committee for petitions.

The proposed committee for petitions would provide a platform for citizens to raise their concerns and grievances, ensuring that their voices are heard by the Parliament. 

The committee would review and evaluate all petitions submitted and make recommendations for appropriate actions to be taken.

Left: Dr. Nassef Manabilang Adiong, Director of PRLS , Right: Mr. Vincent L. Casil, Division Chief of PRLS-LRD

On the other hand, the Blue Ribbon Committee has jurisdiction over matters such as the investigation of malfeasance, misfeasance, and nonfeasance in office acommitted by government officials and employees, including those of the Bangsamoro Government, local government units, and other instrumentalities.

The PRLS’s presentation highlights the significance of the proposed petition committee in promoting transparency and accountability in the Bangsamoro Parliament.

Photo Courtesy of Public Information, Publication and Media Relations Division.

PRLS meets interns from Office of the Deputy Speaker MP Alamia, focal persons from MHSD

On October 18, 2022, the PRLS received courtesy visits from the interns of Deputy Speaker MP Laisa Masuhud Alamia, namely, Butch Nadores Arma Jr., Fatima Ayesha Unni, and Shania Omerez Madelo from the University of San Carlos-Cebu City.

The Office of the Service Director (OSD) welcomed and oriented the students on how the PRLS workforce functions and delivers outputs for the Bangsamoro Parliament.

On the next day, October 19, Director Nassef Manabilang Adiong, together with some of the technical staff from the OSD, LRD, and LMLAD, had a coordination meeting with Ms. Jehanna Abdulkarim and Ms. Ammarah Taug of the Policy Coordination and Development Division (PCDD) of MHSD. Both offices agreed to organize a policy research writeshop event. 

| via Shahid B. Calalagan