COTABATO CITY — Lawmakers in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament — which has recently faced intense scrutiny as critics oppose moves that could delay BARMM polls— on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, expressed frustration over the prolonged delay in the appointment of teachers and administrative personnel, as well as unresolved financial contribution issues, during a marathon oversight hearing.

The joint legislative hearing, held at the Pangalian M. Balindong Hall in Cotabato City, was led by the Committee on Basic, Higher and Technical Education alongside the Committee on Finance, Budget and Management.

The proceedings centered on two primary administrative backlogs within the Ministry of Basic, Higher and Technical Education (MBHTE):

  • Pending Appointments: Thousands of public school teachers and administrative workers across the autonomous region remain without permanent civil service items, leaving employees in temporary roles despite years of continuous service.
  • Benefits Backlog: Unremitted and delayed contributions to the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) have left educators unable to access critical state benefits, medical loans, and retirement services.

During the hearing, lawmakers repeatedly pressed ministry officials to explain the persistent delays and present an immediate recovery plan.

“Last year pa natin ito dinidiscuss, di pa rin ninyo naaayos yan. My God!” MP Khalid Hadji Abdullah said, criticizing the lack of progress on resolutions previously submitted to the plenary.

MP Datu Michael Midtimbang challenged the education officials to fast-track administrative processing or step aside.

“Kung hindi nyo kaya, mag-resign kayo!” Midtimbang said.

Committee representatives emphasized that employee welfare is directly linked to the quality of classrooms in the region. MP Ma-arouph Candao warned that the administrative gridlock is stalling broader educational development.

“Napag-iiwanan na ang region sa educational status dahil sa mga ganitong usapin,” Candao said during the session.

The joint committees directed the MBHTE to submit a comprehensive compliance report on outstanding appointments and remittance reconciliations within a specified legislative timeline as the oversight proceedings continue.