On behalf of The Policy Research and Legal Services, we extend our warmest greetings to all who observe the holy month of Ramadan.
This month is a time for spiritual reflection, self-discipline, and acts of kindness and generosity towards others. As an organization dedicated to promoting justice, human rights, and good governance, we recognize the importance of Ramadan as a time to deepen our commitment to these values.
As the Quran states, “O you who have believed, decreed upon you is fasting as it was decreed upon those before you that you may become righteous.” (Quran 2:183)
May this month be a time for all of us to reflect on our actions, seek forgiveness for our shortcomings, and strive towards righteousness and compassion for all.
PRLS actively participated in the “Orientation on the Documentary Requirements for Government Financial Transaction and Operations” held at D & M Function Hall in Cotabato City on March 16, 2023. The event was conducted by the BTA Finance Service to ensure compliance of various BTA parliament organic offices with the necessary requirements.
The attendees gained valuable insights from two esteemed speakers, Ms. Norhaya Abdul, Director II of BTA Finance Services, shared her knowledge on Financial Transactions and Operations, Update Rates of Expenses, and the Process Flow of Financial Transactions. She highlighted the importance of proper documentation in financial transactions and explained how these processes can be streamlined to improve efficiency. Ms. Jehan Mitmug, Chief of Planning Division, shared insights on Government Procurement Processes, including the policies and regulations that govern government procurement, the bidding process, and the evaluation of bids. She also provided tips on how to ensure transparency and accountability in procurement processes.
The event was a great success in enhancing familiarity with the necessary documentation requirements for government financial transactions and operations. The attendees, including PRLS, left the event feeling more informed and confident in their ability to comply with the necessary requirements.
PRLS recognizes the importance of staying up-to-date with government regulations and requirements, especially in relation to financial transactions and operations. PRLS is committed to maintaining the highest standards of transparency, accountability, and compliance. PRLS is proud to have participated in this event and looks forward to future opportunities to enhance our knowledge and expertise in financial services.
We would like to express our profound appreciation to Floor Leader Atty. Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba for recognizing the commendable efforts of Policy Research and Legal Services during the deliberation of BTA Bill No. 29 or Bangsamoro Electoral Code.
With 64 affirmative votes, no negative votes, and no abstentions, members of the Parliament unanimously passed the measure that will provide the structural, functional, and procedural principles for conducting elections, plebiscites, initiatives, referenda, and recall proceedings in the Bangsamoro region. The Bangsamoro Electoral Code will ensure that regional elections are honest, credible, just, and free.
We are grateful for Floor Leader Atty. Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba’s support and recognition of our efforts in achieving this important milestone for the Bangsamoro people.
International Women’s Day is celebrated every year on March 8th. This is a day to recognize and honor the achievements of women around the world, as well as to raise awareness about the challenges they still face in many areas of life. At Policy Research and Legal Services, we believe that women play an essential role in our organization and our society as a whole.
To show our appreciation for the women in our office, we celebrated International Women’s Day by giving out some sweets to all the women on our team. We wanted to show that we value their contributions and that we recognize the importance of gender equality in the workplace.
At Policy Research and Legal Services, we strive to create a work environment that is inclusive and supportive of all our employees, regardless of gender. We believe that having a diverse team with different backgrounds and perspectives helps us better serve our clients and provides a more fulfilling work experience for everyone.
On this International Women’s Day, we encourage everyone to take a moment to reflect on the contributions of women in their lives and in the world around them. We must continue to work towards achieving gender equality, not just in the workplace but in all aspects of life.
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.
To establish future collaborations, PRLS conducts orientation for the new Members of the Parliament. Present at the meeting were the staff of MP Uy-Oyod and MP Esmael.
Office of the Service Director staff, Mr. Shahid Calalagan led the program with a discussion on the history of parliament, highlighting the parliamentary legislative processes.
Aside from the legislative process, Chief Vincent Casil of the Legislative Research Division (LRD) presented the service mandates and accomplishment reports. Mr. Casil elaborated the importance of research-based legislation tailored to the realities in BARMM.
During the open forum, questions were raised about data-gathering process, especially in interviews and public consultations, and how to adequately address the concerns of their represented community. Important notes were also made on policy research agenda formulation, bill drafting, and research seminar workshop.
The meeting opens future collaborations on research and legislative activities between the PRLS and the MPs delegates.
The Legislative Measures and Legal Assistance Division (LMLAD) of Policy Research and Legal Services (PRLS) releases a legal primer of the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) No. 2 or “An Act Adopting the Official Emblem for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.”
The primer highlights the purpose, inspiration, and symbols with interpretations of the Official Bangsamoro Seal. Legal Primers are summarized versions of BAAs underscoring salient provisions therein.
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.
PRLS (Policy Research and Legal Services) 