In a recent official statement, Member of Parliament Romeo Sema clarified that no final decision has been made regarding his candidacy for the 1st District of Cotabato City in the 2025 BARMM elections. Despite having submitted his intent to run under the Bangsamoro Party (BaPa), Sema indicated that the party has yet to finalize its official list of candidates.
“I would like to convey to my brothers and sisters in the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and to my supporters that no definitive decision has been made yet regarding my candidacy,” Sema stated. He emphasized that the Bangsamoro Party has not yet convened to finalize its slate of candidates and that he is awaiting the democratic process within his party.
Sema extended his gratitude to the Serbisyong Inklusibo Alyansang Progresibo (SIAP) Party and other supporters for their expressions of support. “I deeply appreciate the trust placed in me and fully recognize the responsibility that comes with earning the confidence of our Bangsamoro constituents,” he said.
The MP also requested that inquiries about his candidacy be temporarily set aside, citing the significant challenges presented by the upcoming BARMM elections. This request comes in the wake of the Supreme Court’s recent ruling on the exclusion of Sulu from the Bangsamoro region, which has stirred considerable concern within the Bangsamoro community.
“I am deeply saddened by this unprecedented news,” Sema remarked. “Sulu and our Tausug brethren are inseparable from our struggle for self-determination and our collective Bangsamoro identity.” He expressed hope that the recent developments will eventually lead to sustained peace, unity, and growth in the region.
As the political landscape in the BARMM continues to evolve, Sema’s statement underscores the complexities and uncertainties facing candidates and political parties as they prepare for the upcoming elections.
