Bangsamoro govt insists: We’re working, are transparent

THE Bangsamoro government has disputed allegations of inefficiency and a lack of transparency in the use of millions in funding for the Bangsamoro regions’ development, ticking off completed projects and affirming full cooperation with state auditors.

The allegations against the Bangsamoro Government and its budget from a group calling itself Transform PH Alliance (TPA) were answeredbyameenandrewl.alonto, Executive Director of the Bangsamoro Information Office, in a letter to Businessmirror. He noted that a group called Malayang Lipunan Movement had made similar allegations against the Bangsamoro Government in June.

Most issues were earlier addressed by the Bangsamoro Government spokesman, Atty. Naguib Sinarimbo, according to Alonto.

He particularly took issue with the TPA’S claim that “All the BARMM government has are press releases announcing ribbon cuttings and plans, yet it’s been more than two years, so where are the deliverables, the finished projects?”

Majority of the ribbon cutting ceremonies being referred to are actually turnovers or inaugurations of completed projects, Alonto said.

For example, of the eight Covid-19 isolation facilities that were targeted in 2020, seven have already been completed. The Bangsamoro Government also expedited the completion and turnover of long delayed barangay health facilities and other infrastructure projects in the region, especially in Maguindanao, he added. “Through the cooperation and collaboration of the different ministries and offices of the Bangsamoro Government, procurement and turnover of 24 units of land ambulance, four units of sea ambulance, and two mobile clinics to the different local government units and hospitals across the region were also realized.