President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order 91, declaring Sulu part of Region 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula) following the Supreme Court ruling excluding Sulu from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The order aims to ensure continuity of government operations and uninterrupted delivery of public services during the transition period in fiscal year 2025.
A technical working group (TWG), chaired by the budget secretary, will oversee the implementation of the Supreme Court decision and prepare a transition plan.
Personnel affected by the transition may transfer, retire, or separate with benefits but face restrictions on reemployment within five years.
Funding for programs transferred to national agencies will come from existing appropriations, with EO 91 effective immediately upon publication.
Source: PhilNews24 | August 4, 2025
