Political dynasties tighten grip on Bangsamoro government as women’s representation plummets

Adi Joaquim Tolentino

The recent leadership reshuffle in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) has cemented the control of political dynasties over the region’s interim government while slashing women’s representation, sparking concerns over governance and social justice.

Photo Courtesy of bangsamoro.gov.ph/Fulcrum.sg.

The reshuffle, which saw political clans expanding their influence in the interim government, resulted in the reduction of women’s representation from 15 to 10 members, raising alarms over gender equity and the consolidation of power by entrenched families.

At least six of the 22 newly appointed members of the BTA are from powerful political clans, a pattern noted by observers as a growing presence of political families within the regional government

Gus Miclat, executive director of the Initiative for International Dialogue, noted that the appointments appeared to reflect a convergence of interests among various political actors.

“Without questioning the integrity and capacity of the newly appointed officials, this smacks of a political maneuver of converging interests and agendas by different actors, including political clans, elements within the Bangsamoro and MILF itself, and officials within the national government,” Miclat said.

Yasmira Moner, a political science professor at the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology, also observed that the increase in political family appointees marks a troubling trend.

She noted that the reshuffle demonstrates how entrenched political clans are consolidating their influence within the BTA, further marginalizing underrepresented groups.

The appointments include members from well-known political clans such as the Alonto-Adiong family of Lanao del Sur, which secured two positions through Rashdi Taib Adiong and Amer Zakaaria Adiong Rakim, replacing Amir Mawallil and Hamid Malik, respectively.

Amir Alonto Balindong, the son of BTA Speaker Pangalian Balindong, was appointed to replace Nabila Pangandaman, while Abrar Hataman, a nephew of Basilan Governor Jim Hataman Salliman and Representative Mujiv Hataman, replaced Muslimin Jakilan.

Another appointee, Ma-Arouph Candao, replaced his sister Maleiha, further solidifying the Candao family’s influence within the BTA.

Naguib Sinarimbo, the former BARMM minister of interior and local government, was also reappointed, while other members of his clan are actively vying for local positions in the upcoming elections.

Critics argue that the reshuffle has compromised the MILF’s authority and the region’s broader democratic aspirations.

The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has expressed frustration over the appointments, stating that only 35 of its 40 nominees were accepted.

In comparison, the representation of women in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) has also seen a decline. Initially, there were 16 women appointed in BTA 1 and 2, but this number decreased to 15 in 2024 and has further dropped to 10 in BTA 3.

According to the MILF, the exclusion of several of its nominees undermines the autonomy enshrined in the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) and disrupts the organization’s internal processes.

The leadership shakeup has prompted the MILF to consider pursuing legal and diplomatic measures to challenge what it describes as undue interference by the national government.

Observers warn that the dominance of political clans within the BTA threatens the region’s broader push for inclusive governance and social justice, especially with the first regional elections set for October 2025.

They argue that the consolidation of power by entrenched families compromises merit-based selection and diminishes opportunities for marginalized groups, particularly women and indigenous communities.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity has defended the appointments, insisting they are consistent with the government’s commitment to fulfilling the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

However, critics maintain that prioritizing political clans over inclusivity undermines the legitimacy of the region’s leadership and risks eroding public trust in the peace process.

The reshuffle, they argue, could derail efforts to build a truly representative and democratic government in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

In terms of legal requirements for balanced representation, the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) or Republic Act No. 11054 does not explicitly mandate a specific gender balance in the BTA appointments but emphasizes inclusivity and representation. 

The BOL also provides for a parliamentary system that includes sectoral representation, which could potentially include women and other marginalized groups.

The first regular elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are set for October 13, 2025, after delays and adjustments. 

This was originally scheduled for May 12, 2025, but the elections were postponed due to legal and logistical challenges, including a Supreme Court ruling that Sulu is not part of the BARMM.