Manila, Philippines – Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito G. Galvez Jr. emphasized the importance of prioritizing careful and deliberate action over haste during a hearing by the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms on Monday, November 25. The discussion centered on House Bill (HB) 11034, proposing a one-year postponement of the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary elections from May 2025 to May 2026.
Galvez quoted President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., underscoring that it is better to “act right” rather than fast-track decisions, which could lead to complications. He expressed the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity’s (OPAPRU) full support for HB 11034, authored by House Speaker Martin G. Romualdez.
Extending Time to Fulfill Commitments
Galvez stated that resetting the elections would provide both the national and regional governments additional time to meet commitments under the Bangsamoro Peace Agreements. He highlighted that the Supreme Court’s ruling upholding the constitutionality of the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) created “unintended consequences” affecting the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
One of the key concerns is the potential displacement of over 5,000 workers in Sulu following the High Court’s decision to exclude the province from BARMM. “We must protect their livelihoods and ensure they can provide for their families,” Galvez said. He also emphasized the need to ensure allocated funds for Sulu’s socio-economic programs remain accessible.
Complex Legal and Electoral Challenges
Galvez outlined significant legal and administrative hurdles that BARMM faces if elections proceed as scheduled in 2025. These include amendments to the Bangsamoro Electoral Code and addressing parliamentary representation issues caused by Sulu’s exclusion.
Members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament have voiced support for the postponement, citing the need for more time to ensure a fair and transparent election process and to address legal ambiguities. Galvez stressed the importance of awaiting the Supreme Court’s final decision on the matter, as BARMM has filed a motion for reconsideration.
Peace and Security Concerns
The peace adviser highlighted ongoing peace and security challenges in BARMM, such as the proliferation of loose firearms and the presence of private armed groups. He argued that postponing the elections would allow the government to advance critical programs, including the decommissioning of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants and the Disbandment of Private Armed Groups (DPAGs).
“These programs are crucial to creating a safer and more secure environment for all BARMM citizens,” Galvez said.
Groundswell of Support
Several BARMM governors have expressed solidarity in supporting the proposed postponement. Basilan Governor Hadjiman Hataman Salliman described the delay as essential to ensuring a democratic electoral process, while Tawi-Tawi Governor Ysmael Sali and Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. raised concerns about equitable representation and the legal ramifications of Sulu’s exclusion.
Lanao del Sur Congressman Zia Alonto Adiong underscored the need for Congress to address the “legal and political gap” left by Sulu’s exclusion and highlighted the BTA’s resolution appealing for an extended transition period.
COMELEC’s Stance
Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman George Garcia reiterated the importance of resolving parliamentary representation issues before proceeding with the elections. With Sulu’s exclusion, seven parliamentary seats remain unallocated, violating the BOL.
“It would be shaky to proceed with 73 seats instead of 80,” Garcia said, assuring that COMELEC would abide by Congress’s decision.
Looking Ahead
As discussions continue, stakeholders aim to ensure that BARMM’s transition period allows for the completion of foundational legislation, resolution of legal challenges, and preparation for fair and inclusive elections. Galvez affirmed that the Bangsamoro peace process is a global model for conflict resolution, stressing the importance of laying a strong foundation for BARMM’s governance.