Bangsamoro parliament convenes with 79 members present

COTABATO CITY — The first elected Bangsamoro Parliament convened in the regional legislature’s plenary hall at the Bangsamoro Government Center here on Friday with 79 of 80 members present.

Sheikh Muslim Guiamaden, Bangsamoro wali or ceremonial head, struck the gong, which symbolizes the opening of the session. 

Director Jaime Ayub, the highest-ranking officer of the Secretariat from the Interim Parliament, then presided over the election of a temporary presiding officer so the body could proceed to business. Member of Parliament (MP) Naguib Sinarimbo then nominated MP Ishak Mastura as the temporary presiding officer, and members seconded the motion.

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Mastura took the podium and called the roll, with 79 members responding. According to Ayub, the secretariat earlier received a letter from MP-elect Abdulrahman Mangudadatu that he would be unable to attend the inaugural session as he was indisposed.

After declaring a quorum, Mastura then called for a suspension of the session while awaiting the arrival of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who is scheduled to speak before the historic gathering./coa