
MANILA – The Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has approved the release of the share of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in taxes collected within the BARMM amounting to more than PHP335 million.
The agency on Thursday stated that DBM Secretary Amenah Pangandaman approved the BARMM’s share in taxes and other fees on Monday.
“The release of funds means more development projects to be implemented for the people and government of BARMM. This is important in their exercise of their right to self-governance,” Pangandaman said.
The sharing of taxes collected by the national government in BARMM was indicated under Section 10 of Republic Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the BARMM.
In accordance with the law, the national government will receive a 25 percent distribution share of taxes, while the Bangsamoro government will receive a 75 percent distribution of the share of taxes, including the shares of the constituent local government units.
The 25 percent share of the national government will accrue to the Bangsamoro government for the first 10 years from the effectivity of the said law.
Meanwhile, Pangandaman stated that as Budget Secretary, she is delighted to support programs for BARMM and Mindanao in her capacity.
She is the only Muslim member in the Cabinet of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.
“As mentioned, the DBM will continue to help BARMM, in every way we can, in their transition process,” she added.
Earlier, Pangandaman promised to promote inclusive development in Mindanao.
She added that the DBM plays a major role in supporting BARMM in its budgetary process.
“We want them to have their parang own government so we’re helping them in whatever way we can in terms of capacity building,” she said.