President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. has confirmed that Malacañang is closely reviewing calls to postpone the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary elections scheduled for May 12, 2025.
Speaking during the distribution of Presidential Assistance to Farmers, Fisherfolk, and Families (PAFFF) on November 22, 2024, in Lingayen, Pangasinan, the President addressed concerns stemming from the Supreme Court’s recent decision to exclude Sulu from BARMM. He acknowledged the decision’s unforeseen implications and its potential impact on the region’s governance.
“Many unintended consequences emerged from the Supreme Court’s decision. We are carefully studying how this affects the BARMM elections,” Marcos stated.
The President highlighted two critical issues under consideration. First, the exclusion of Sulu from the BARMM has raised questions about the region’s political landscape. Second, eight municipalities in BARMM’s Special Geographic Area (SGA) remain unaligned with any province and lack congressional representation, further complicating election preparations.
In Congress, discussions on the postponement have gained momentum. Representative Lordan Suan revealed that the scheduled congressional hearing on BARMM has been deferred, with lawmakers prioritizing the matter. Both the Senate and the House of Representatives are deliberating bills proposing to delay the elections to address these complexities.
The first BARMM Parliamentary elections are pivotal for the region, marking a critical transition from an appointed interim government to an elected parliament under the Bangsamoro Organic Law. However, local government leaders have expressed concerns about proceeding without addressing the implications of the Supreme Court ruling and the representation gaps in BARMM.
As the debate continues, the national government emphasizes the importance of resolving these issues to ensure a smooth and inclusive electoral process in the Bangsamoro region.
