Manila, Philippines — In a move aimed at securing a more stable foundation for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, alongside key lawmakers, filed House Bill (HB) No. 11034 to postpone the region’s first general elections from May 2025 to May 2026. The proposed delay aligns with a request from the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), which oversees the region’s shift to autonomy, and has garnered support in both chambers of Congress.
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero submitted a similar proposal in the Senate, signaling a united commitment in Congress to ensure a successful BARMM transition. The Bangsamoro Transition Authority has stressed the need for an extension to complete essential tasks that are vital for BARMM’s first election and the effective establishment of self-governance. BTA Resolution No. 641, passed in October, requests Congress to move the BARMM elections to 2028 to address unresolved governance and administrative issues.
One major factor prompting this postponement is the recent Supreme Court ruling that deemed the inclusion of Sulu in BARMM unconstitutional, creating a legal vacuum. As Sulu exits the BARMM jurisdiction, the BARMM Parliament’s seat allocations require recalibration to represent the remaining areas accurately, a process that will require substantial legislative adjustments.
“This proposed postponement is not a delay in progress but a necessary step to solidify BARMM’s foundations,” Romualdez remarked. He emphasized the need to avoid potential operational and representation issues that could hinder the effectiveness of the new BARMM government. The interim period will also allow the BTA to work closely with local communities, enhancing electoral preparedness and voter education.
Under HB 11034, the President would appoint 80 new interim BTA members to govern until the rescheduled elections, ensuring continuity. The current members’ terms will be deemed expired, paving the way for fresh leadership in the extended transition.
While the extension has broad support in Congress, it faces opposition from some lawmakers, including House Deputy Minority Leader Mujiv Hataman, who previously governed the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM). Hataman argues that postponing the election risks undermining the democratic process and the Bangsamoro people’s right to choose their leaders. He has called for more extensive public consultations to gauge Bangsamoro constituents’ views on the matter.
Senators Imee Marcos and Koko Pimentel echoed Hataman’s concerns, emphasizing the importance of adhering to democratic principles. Hataman further noted, “The right of the Bangsamoro people to elect leaders accountable to them is foundational in our democracy and enshrined in both the Constitution and the Bangsamoro Organic Law.”
Despite this opposition, the majority of legislators maintain that postponing the elections is essential to building a sustainable autonomous government. Deputy Speaker Yasser Alonto Balindong, along with other co-authors of the bill, highlighted BARMM’s significant role in promoting peace and economic growth across Mindanao. The proposed law aims to lay the groundwork for an election that truly reflects the Bangsamoro people’s aspirations, free from unresolved legal and structural issues.
“This legislation,” Romualdez asserted, “honors the unique needs of the Bangsamoro, ensuring the region has the time and support to establish a governance structure that can endure and thrive.”
With both chambers of Congress backing the bill, its passage would allow BARMM to solidify its institutions and refine its governance frameworks, paving the way for a resilient, autonomous future for the Bangsamoro people.
