The answer is no. The BARMM enjoys independence, but it cannot be considered apart from the state of the Philippines. The Republic Act No. 12317 does not contain any provisions that indicate the transfer of power from the government to the BARMM. Primarily, the law delays the holding of the first regular elections for the BARMM parliament until the second Monday of September 2026.
What RA 12317 actually says
As provided under RA 12317, the initial election for the Bangsamoro Government is set to take place on the second Monday of September 2026. In addition, regular elections in BARMM will be scheduled to coincide with general elections at least beginning in May 2031 and every three years thereafter.
The law further provides that the BTA shall remain as the interim government during the transitional period unless its interim members have been replaced by the President, newly elected to an office, or replaced by elected members.
Is autonomy equivalent to the dissolution of the national government?
No. Even according to the 1987 Philippine Constitution, autonomous regions belong to the nation’s sovereignty and territory. The same Constitution likewise provides that the President supervises the autonomous regions in general, while the remaining powers not delegated to autonomous regions belong to the National Government.
Also, the BOL provides that the President shall have general supervision over the Bangsamoro Government to see to it that laws are implemented faithfully, as well as create mechanisms for coordinating the National Government and the Bangsamoro Government.
What powers remain with the national government?
The central/national government retains national powers. As seen in the Bangsamoro Organic Law, national defense and security for the BARMM are still responsibilities of the National Government. In addition, the Philippine National Police maintains operational control over the Regional Police Office in BARMM.
Moreover, according to the Supreme Court, the BARMM is not another sovereign state. It lacks sovereignty, and issues such as national defense and security, citizenship, foreign affairs and relations, and international trade remain within the jurisdiction of the national government.
Final fact-check statement
The claim that the Philippine government “left” BARMM because of the autonomy of BARMM is a fallacy. While the BARMM has autonomous governance and parliament, it is still part of the Philippines. RA 12317 just reboots the elections and extends the transitional period for BARMM.
