Manila: The Bangsamoro Parliament has formally requested President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to appoint Special Assistant to the President Antonio Lagdameo Jr. as the new national government co-chair of the Intergovernmental Relations Body. This request follows the resignation of former budget secretary Amenah Pangandaman last month.
According to Philippines News Agency, the 80-member Bangsamoro Transition Authority adopted Resolution No. 775 on December 17. The resolution seeks to have Lagdameo replace Pangandaman, highlighting the importance of sustained collaboration between the Bangsamoro and the national government. Moro Islamic Liberation Front First Vice Chairman Mohagher Iqbal currently serves as the MILF co-chair of the body.
The resolution was primarily authored by MPs Jose Lorena, John Anthony Lim, Adzfar Usman, and Nabil Tan, and was co-sponsored by all members present. It emphasizes the necessity for a qualified national government representative to maintain effective coordination and communication between the two governments.
The Intergovernmental Relations Body plays a crucial role, as mandated by the Bangsamoro Organic Law, in promoting cooperation on governance matters. This appointment is seen as pivotal to ensuring the smooth operation of this mechanism.
