Basilan, Philippines – In a show of unity, Basilan Governor Jim Salliman, alongside three other governors from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), expressed strong support for legislative measures seeking to reset the region’s first parliamentary election. Senate Bill No. 2862 and House Bill No. 11024, both of which propose a one-year postponement of the 2025 BARMM elections, are seen as a crucial step toward ensuring fair and transparent electoral processes in the region.
“This step is essential to uphold a fair, transparent, and truly democratic electoral process that reflects the will and aspirations of the people of BARMM,” Salliman stated. The governor emphasized that the recommended delay is grounded in the need to strengthen the electoral framework and address key concerns impacting the region’s representation and governance.
Key Conditions for the Election Reset
Governor Salliman highlighted several critical issues necessitating the postponement:
- Amendment of the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) No. 58: This law, which establishes the creation of parliamentary districts, requires updates in light of the recent Supreme Court decision excluding the province of Sulu from BARMM. The amendment aims to ensure accurate representation that aligns with the region’s current legal status.
- Equitable Representation: Salliman called for a restructuring of parliamentary seats to ensure fair representation, especially addressing Basilan’s request for an additional seat. This includes securing one district representative for the City of Lamitan in the Bangsamoro parliament.
- Preserving the Peace Process: The delay, Salliman stressed, will bolster the accomplishments of the BARMM peace process, providing stability to advance peace within the region.
A Step Toward Stability and Unity
Governor Salliman asserted that the election reset will foster governance and unity rather than breed division. “This resetting will promote stability in the Bangsamoro Region and embody the true essence of autonomy, advancing peace and development without the disruption a premature or divisive election cycle might bring,” he explained.
The governor further highlighted that the BARMM parliamentary election represents more than a political process; it symbolizes the long-standing aspirations for peace, unity, and self-governance within Bangsamoro.
Ensuring Long-Term Democratic Foundations
Salliman described the postponement as a strategic move aimed at reinforcing BARMM’s democratic foundation, ensuring governance that is proportional, effective, and sustainable. The governor called this a critical moment for the Bangsamoro people, with Basilan standing in solidarity to support the delay, which he believes will serve the best interests of all constituents.
“This reset is not a setback but a purposeful choice to strengthen the region’s democratic institutions, ensuring that no one is left behind in the quest for peace, justice, and genuine autonomy,” he emphasized. Concluding his statement, he urged patience, underscoring that peace and stability built over years of negotiation would benefit future generations.
As BARMM continues on its path toward inclusive governance and sustained peace, the collective support for the proposed election reset signals a unified commitment to the long-term development of the region and the autonomy envisioned by its people.
