Decentralization/Federalism: Mindanao Final Agreement
Implementations
Decentralization/Federalism – 1996
The Mindanao Final Agreement brokered between the MNLF and the Philippine government in 1996 called for further decentralization of power and increased autonomy for the people of the ARMM. Under the peace agreement, there would be a transition phase (Phase I) of several years characterized by intense development and aid projects, followed by another referendum on expanding the autonomous region. The peace agreement designated the current ARMM (4 provinces) along with 10 other provinces and nine cities to be a Special Zone of Peace and Development (SZOPAD). The hope of Nur Misuari and the MNLF was that the two phase process would pave the way for an expanded ARMM, as provinces would vote for inclusion after seeing the benefits of autonomous rule.1
- Astrid S. Tuminez, “This land is our land: Moro ancestral domain and its implications for peace and development in the Southern Philippines,” SAIS Review 27, no. 2 (2007): 77-91.
Decentralization/Federalism – 1997
There were no changes made to expand the existing provincial boundaries of the ARMM this year.
Decentralization/Federalism – 1998
There were no changes made to expand the existing provincial boundaries of the ARMM this year.
Decentralization/Federalism – 1999
There were no changes made to expand the existing provincial boundaries of the ARMM this year.
Decentralization/Federalism – 2000
There were no changes made to expand the existing provincial boundaries of the ARMM this year.
Decentralization/Federalism – 2001
As called for in the peace agreement, the Filipino legislature passed the Republic Act 9054 or Expanded ARMM Law in 2001. The plebiscite which was to determine which provinces would join the new ARMM was scheduled for August 2001. Of the 14 provinces and 9 cities in the SZOPAD that voted in the referendum, only one additional province (Basilan) and one city (Marawi) voted for inclusion in the new expanded ARMM. Thus, the new ARMM consisted of Maguindanao, Lanao del Sur, Tawi-tawi, Sulu, Basilan and Marawi.2
Decentralization/Federalism – 2002
No further changes were made to the provincial boundaries of the ARMM following the final referendum in August 2001.
Decentralization/Federalism – 2003
No further changes were made to the provincial boundaries of the ARMM following the final referendum in August 2001.
Decentralization/Federalism – 2004
No further changes were made to the provincial boundaries of the ARMM following the final referendum in August 2001.
Decentralization/Federalism – 2005
No further changes were made to the provincial boundaries of the ARMM following the final referendum in August 2001.