COTABATO CITY(November 19) — Lawmakers in the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) are seeking to institutionalize the annual ₱10,000 Ramadan bonus for qualified Bangsamoro government workers, hoping the incentive will help employees observe the holy month more meaningfully while strengthening the region’s push for moral governance.
One of the bill’s lead authors, Dr. Susana Anayatin, represents the settlers’ sector in the interim parliament and has long been involved in the duyog Ramadan movement, which encourages Christian residents to join and support the spirit of Ramadan in Cotabato City. In her doctoral research, Anayatin noted that government workers who sincerely observe fasting tend to demonstrate stronger ethical behavior in public service.
Co-authored by BTA Members Hashemi Dilangalen and Ibrahim Ibay, Parliament Bill No. 398—also called the Ramadan Bonus Act of 2025—proposes that each eligible employee receive at least ₱10,000 before the start of Ramadan. The authors noted that BARMM has already granted the bonus for the past three years, helping workers cope with rising prices while honoring the cultural and spiritual significance of the Islamic fasting month.
The measure covers officials and employees of all ministries, offices, and agencies, including COS and JO workers. Excluded from the benefit are personnel absent without official leave and categories such as consultants, apprentices, and student laborers.
Funding will be sourced from the Bangsamoro Government’s General Appropriations Act, with the Ministry of Finance, Budget, and Management tasked to issue guidelines to ensure its smooth and timely release.
