Manila, Philippines — November 7, 2024
The Senate Committee on Local Government, led by Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito, convened a public hearing on Thursday to examine proposals seeking to delay the first regular elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Senate Bill No. 2862, sponsored by Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero, and a Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) resolution urging an extension of the BARMM transition period until 2028, were central topics of discussion.
Senator Ejercito emphasized the committee’s intent to thoroughly analyze the implications of extending the transition period, considering both the needs of the region and its impact on peace and order. “The Committee wants to gain a deeper understanding behind these proposals, ensuring that any recommendations made are well-informed and in the best interest of our brothers and sisters in the BARMM,” he stated.
The hearing provided a platform for key stakeholders, including BARMM officials, government agency representatives, and local leaders, to address challenges within the region. Gov. Bai Mariam Mangudadatu of Maguindanao highlighted persistent security issues in BARMM’s core areas, which include Maguindanao and Cotabato City, both designated as special geographic areas under BTA jurisdiction. She raised concerns over the prevalence of violence and civilian displacement in these areas, which she described as the “epicenter of violence.”
“Let us look at the record of the BTA since it began in 2019,” Mangudadatu said. “These areas are central to the peace process and are host to numerous government and international development projects. However, it is alarming that these very areas experience the highest incidents of violence, killings, crime, and civilian displacement. Reports from Climate Conflict Action Asia (CCAA) even indicate that Maguindanao, the MILF heartland, is a major violence hotspot. Yet, misleading reports in Manila accuse us, the local politicians, of destabilizing our region. The slides I will present show that the groups involved in these incidents are MILF.”
Senator Ronald “Bato” Dela Rosa expressed similar concerns, urging the BTA to address these unresolved issues should its mandate be extended. “I am from Mindanao; all I want is a peaceful Mindanao,” Dela Rosa stated, cautioning that perpetual extensions of the transition period without significant progress could undermine trust in BARMM governance.
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian also raised financial concerns, asking for a clear breakdown of budgetary needs if BARMM’s elections are deferred to 2026. Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia estimated that PHP 1 billion would be needed for a manual election in 2026, while an automated election would cost around PHP 3 billion.
The public hearing included representatives from various government agencies, such as the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) led by Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr., the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Department of National Defense (DND), as well as Comelec-BARMM Regional Director Atty. Ray Sumalipao, and other BARMM provincial governors and mayors.
As the Senate Committee on Local Government continues its deliberations, stakeholders stress that extending the BARMM transition period must coincide with concrete measures to address violence and governance issues. The decision ultimately rests on ensuring that the proposed delay in elections serves both the interests of BARMM constituents and the stability of the region.
