Case Digest (G.R. No. 271741)
Facts:
This case involves petitions filed before the Supreme Court of the Philippines challenging the constitutionality and legality of three Bangsamoro Autonomy Acts (BAAs 53, 54, and 55) that created new municipalities in Maguindanao del Norte within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Petitioners in G.R. No. 271741—Datu Sajid S. Sinsuat, Ebrahim P. Diocolano, and Feby A. Acosta—challenge BAAs 54 and 55 that created the Municipalities of Datu Sinsuat Balabaran and Sheik Abas Hamza from the Municipality of Datu Odin Sinsuat. Petitioners in G.R. No. 271972—Mayor Datu Tucao O. Mastura, representing himself, the Municipality of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, and the Liga ng mga Barangay—contest BAA 53, which created the Municipality of Nuling from the Municipality of Sultan Kudarat. The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), acting as the interim government during the transition period of BARMM, along with Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim and the Comm
Case Digest (G.R. No. 271741)
Facts:
- Background and Legal Framework
- The Bangsamoro Organic Law (RA No. 11054), approved on July 21, 2018, establishes the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) granting meaningful self-governance within the Philippine Constitution.
- Republic Act No. 11550 (May 27, 2021) designates Datu Odin Sinsuat as the capital of Maguindanao del Norte.
- On September 28, 2023, the Bangsamoro Parliament enacted the Bangsamoro Local Governance Code of 2023 (BAA 49), prescribing the manner of creation and alteration of local government units, including the mandatory conduct of plebiscites.
- Passage of Challenged Bangsamoro Autonomy Acts
- On December 20, 2023, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) passed BAAs 53, 54, and 55, signed by Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim on December 26, 2023.
- BAA 53 created the Municipality of Nuling from various barangays of Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte.
- BAA 54 created the Municipality of Datu Sinsuat Balabaran from barangays of Datu Odin Sinsuat.
- BAA 55 created the Municipality of Sheik Abas Hamza from barangays of Datu Odin Sinsuat.
- Judicial Proceedings and Parties
- G.R. No. 271741 filed on February 15, 2024 by Datu Sajid S. Sinsuat, Ebrahim P. Diocolano, and Feby A. Acosta assails BAAs 54 and 55.
- G.R. No. 271972 filed on February 29, 2024 by Mayor Datu Tucao O. Mastura and the Liga ng mga Barangay challenges BAA 53.
- Both petitions include prayers for injunctive relief to halt the implementation of the BAAs and plebiscites.
- The cases were consolidated by the Supreme Court on April 3, 2024.
- COMELEC and BTA Actions
- COMELEC set plebiscite dates for:
- Nuling (BAA 53) on September 7, 2024.
- Datu Sinsuat Balabaran and Sheik Abas Hamza (BAAs 54 and 55) on September 21, 2024.
- COMELEC promulgated Resolutions Nos. 11011 and 11012 specifying election periods, prohibited acts, and administrative details related to the plebiscites.
Issues:
- Legality and authority of the BTA and Chief Minister to create municipalities and enact BAAs 53, 54, and 55 during transition.
- Constitutionality of the plebiscite provisions restricting voting to only the barangays comprising the new municipalities.
- Whether the titles of the BAAs comply with Article VI, Section 26(1) of the Constitution.
- Applicability of Republic Act No. 7160 (Local Government Code) and Bangsamoro laws in the creation of municipalities.
- Compliance with income, population, and land area criteria set under RA 7160 and Bangsamoro Local Governance Code (LGC) for the creation of municipalities.
- Schedule and timing of the plebiscites vis-à-vis the requirements of RA 7160.
- Authority of the Chief Minister to appoint provisional municipal officials.
- Validity of the signatures on the BAAs, specifically Chief Minister Ebrahim’s signature.
- Justiciability of the petitions and the application of the doctrine of hierarchy of courts.
Ruling:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Ratio:
- (Subscriber-Only)
Doctrine:
- (Subscriber-Only)