Marcos signs law resetting BARMM elections to September

MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law a measure resetting the first parliamentary election of the Bangsamoro Autonomy Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to the second Monday of September this year.

The signing of Republic Act No. 12317, which amends the Bangsamoro Organic Law, comes after delays in the holding of the elections after Sulu’s exclusion from BARMM and the Supreme Court ruling that the districting laws are unconstitutional.

The Commission on Elections will promulgate the rules for the conduct of the polls, employing the automated election system. The subsequent elections will be synchronized with national and local polls starting in May 2031.

There will be a new period for the filing of candidacies. Candidates for district seats and representatives of political parties must refile again. Elected officials in the September polls will assume office on October 30, 2026 and serve until June 30, 2031.

The election is a crucial part of the political track in the peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). The RA 12317 was signed on March 25, two days before the 12th anniversary of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro.

Renewed hope

Maguindanao del Sur Representative Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu said the new law is timely, emphasizing the need for both candidates and voters to prepare for the historic exercise.

“There is still time for candidates to prepare and for people, especially the youth who have just become eligible, to register before the September deadline,” Mangudadatu said.

He also said the law is an opportunity for the Bangsamoro people to choose capable leaders: “For us Muslims, this is like a blessing from the President. This election will allow us to select leaders who can uplift our region and deliver the right services to our constituents.”

Meanwhile, Acting Senior Minister Abdullah Cusain gave assurances that preparations are underway to ensure credible and orderly polls. He said preparations continued despite the repeated postponement of the BARMM elections.

“The Office of the Chief Minister will ensure that the process will be credible, peaceful, transparent, and with integrity,” Cusain said.

“Our preparations have been continuous. Even when the election was rescheduled, we maintained coordination with the Commission on Elections, especially at the regional level,” he added.

For his part, Mohajirin Ali, MNSA spokesperson of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party and MILF information officer, said the move aligns with long-standing calls for the conduct of BARMM elections.

“This is something we have been pushing for since last year. We were ready when elections were initially set, even when they were moved to October,” Ali said.

Despite multiple postponements, he said the latest schedule provides renewed momentum.

“Now that it is set for September, this is a positive development. The momentum in preparations will resume,” he added.

Ali stressed that the elections are crucial in strengthening governance in the region.

“Elections will provide answers and solutions to the challenges we face in BARMM because a mandate coming directly from the people gives authority to lead the government,” he said.

Officials across BARMM underscored that the rescheduled elections mark a critical step in the region’s democratic transition, and expressed hope that the process will pave the way for stronger governance, inclusive leadership, and lasting peace.  – Rappler.com