The push for Cordillera regional autonomy has entered a critical phase as leaders and economic experts unveiled a comprehensive roadmap for the passage of House Bill 6981, aiming for a historic plebiscite in 2027. This movement draws its mandate from the 1986 Mount Data Peace Accord (Sipat), which ended hostilities between the government and the Cordillera People’s Liberation Army (CPLA) and laid the groundwork for self-determination.
The legislative timeline for HB 6981 is aggressive. Following regional consultations held from February to June 2026, the bill is slated for committee hearings in the House of Representatives throughout the third and fourth quarters of 2026. Proponents anticipate the Organic Act will be signed into law by the end of the year, with a region-wide plebiscite to follow six months after its effectiveness in 2027.
On July 14, 2026, the Baguio City Council held a public consultation which included discussion on House Bill 6981. The forum featured city officials pushing for regional self-governance such as Councilor Van Oliver Dicang, Councilor Leandro Yangot Jr, Councilor Jose Molintas, and Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President John Rhey L. Mananeng.
They were joined by Congressman Mauricion Domogan who shared his experience in both local and regional leadership and provided detailed explanations of the fiscal provisions and governance structures within House Bill 6981, answering critical questions regarding the region’s financial viability and its continued relationship with the national government.
A central pillar of the proposed bill is its financial framework, designed to ensure that the region is economically sustainable without diminishing the powers of existing local government units (LGUs).
Key provisions from the proposed bill are the 3% annual block grant from the national government, a special subsidy totaling P75 billion over ten years (P10 billion annually for the first five years, and P5 billion annually for the next five), and a tax localization which requires corporations operating in the Cordilleras, such as mining firms and large retailers, to pay taxes in the province where they conduct business rather than at their head offices in Metro Manila.
Beyond economics, the bill seeks to institutionalize culture-sensitive governance. Article 16 of the proposed framework recognizes customary law and traditional dispute settlement practices. Leaders emphasize that this will allow for restorative justice, such as those practiced under the bodong system, to be recognized by the courts to minimize tribal conflicts and maintain regional peace.
Despite the optimism, some stakeholders have expressed concerns regarding the level of support from the national executive. During the July 14 forum, Domogan and city officials noted they are seeking a “definitive answer” from the President regarding his support for the bill, calling it a potential “best legacy” for the Cordilleras.
Additionally, leaders clarified that under Article 10, Section 15 of the Constitution, only the Cordillera and the Bangsamoro (BARMM) regions are eligible for autonomy, dismissing fears that the bill would lead to a fragmented “federal” republic.
As the region prepares for its 39th Cordillera Month Celebration and a Regional Unity Rally, the message from Baguio City is clear: autonomy is viewed not as a separation from the Republic, but as a means to bring the national government’s functions and revenues closer to the people. **Sean Kimrhed P. Lardizabal (UC BA Comm Student/SP Intern
