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In a landmark decision, the Supreme Court has upheld the validity of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (Republic Act No. 11054), but with a crucial twist—Sulu is officially out of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). This ruling brings a sigh of relief to Sulu, which had rejected the law’s ratification in a plebiscite, yet found itself included in the region anyway.

The Court’s decision, penned by Senior Associate Justice Marvic M.V.F. Leonen, partially granted Sulu’s petition against its inclusion in BARMM while affirming the overall constitutionality of the law. Justice Japar B. Dimaampao also filed a separate concurring opinion, emphasizing the significance of respecting the will of the people.

So, what does this mean? In simple terms, BARMM remains intact, but without Sulu. The Court made it clear that BARMM’s autonomy is about self-governance, not independence from the national government. National defense, foreign policy, and other critical matters remain under the central government’s control. BARMM can manage its internal affairs with a parliamentary system, but it’s still very much part of the Philippines.

The ruling also clarified a key issue—areas that didn’t vote in favor of the law can’t be included in BARMM. This means Sulu, which rejected the law in a plebiscite, shouldn’t have been included in the first place. It’s a big win for the province and a significant moment in the ongoing journey towards autonomy and peace in Mindanao.

In a nutshell, this decision sets the record straight: BARMM stays, but Sulu steps out. The Court’s ruling is effective immediately, marking a new chapter for both BARMM and Sulu as they navigate their paths forward.