26/05/2026
PUBLIC STATEMENT
Assalamu Alaykum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuhu!
The Office of the Parliament Speaker Mohammad S. Yacob, Ph.D. acknowledges the open letter dated May 23, 2026. We genuinely welcome constructive discourse and appreciate the concern expressed by various stakeholders in helping guide the Bangsamoro Government in the spirit of accountability and collective responsibility. The said letter raises allegations that the Speaker is being βused, abused, and manipulatedβ in the enactment of recent legislative measures, including the removal of the βNone of the Aboveβ (NOTA) option in official ballots, amendments to the Bangsamoro Electoral Code, and the Parliamentary Districting Law.
To ensure that we move forward with a common understanding of the legislative process within the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament, it is important to clarify that every enacted measure undergoes rigorous committee deliberations, public consultations, and extensive plenary debates. Throughout this process, Members of the Parliament representing various sectors and political perspectives fully exercise their rights to deliberate, propose amendments, and cast their votes in accordance with democratic and consultative principles.
Further, to provide reassurance and clarity, this Office emphasizes that legislation in the BTA Parliament is a collective and collegial act. No single individual, including the Speaker, unilaterally dictates the passage of laws. The enactment of legislative measures reflects the collective will of Parliament as a whole, determined through democratic majority action. To attribute these legislative outcomes solely to the alleged manipulation or weakness of the Speaker fundamentally undermines the integrity, independence, and institutional credibility of the entire Parliamentary Body. Moreover, the signature of the Speaker on every legislative measure is ministerial rather than discretionary.
In light of these circumstances, this Office remains steadfast in fulfilling its duties and responsibilities throughout the remainder of the transition period, in faithful adherence to the collective and consultative principles that guide the BTA Parliament. While we continue to faithfully comply with the law and uphold the mandates entrusted to the institution, we likewise remain firm in safeguarding the aspirations, dignity, and historical struggle of the Bangsamoro people, mindful that the struggles and sacrifices of the past are neither forgotten nor disregarded in the course of governance and institution building.
At the same time, this Office underscores that restraint and institutional prudence should not be instantly misconstrued as weakness, indifference, or acquiescence to whatever meaning others may seek to attribute to perceived silence. Wisdom is not always manifested through confrontation, but often through sabr, prudence, and adherence to what is just and beneficial for the Ummah. Responsible leadership often demands measured responses grounded in respect for democratic institutions, due process, and the broader interest of unity within the Bangsamoro.
Rather than allowing unfounded imputations and divisive allegations to sow discord among our people, we call upon all stakeholders to uphold adab, mutual respect, constructive dialogue, and institutional solidarity. Our collective duty remains the preservation of peace, justice, and meaningful governance for the Bangsamoro.
May Allah SWT unite us all in sincere service to the Bangsamoro people.
Wa billahi tawfiq wal hidayah.
Shukran.
