Manila, Philippines — As the Senate resumes sessions this week, discussions are expected to center on the proposed 2025 national budget and a bill seeking to postpone the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero announced his plan to file a bill on November 4, 2024, that would delay the BARMM elections, originally scheduled for May 2025, due to pressing issues surrounding representation in the region’s parliament.
Escudero, in an interview with DZBB, emphasized the importance of addressing the recent Supreme Court ruling that removes Sulu province from the BARMM, an administrative shift with significant implications for the region’s governance and parliamentary structure. He highlighted concerns about the possible effects of Sulu’s exclusion on representation within the BARMM parliament, particularly as the province currently holds several parliamentary seats.
“The intention is to postpone the election,” Escudero stated. “For example, Sulu has about seven or eight representatives in the BARMM parliament. How can they continue if they’re no longer part of the BARMM?” He noted that this change affects party-list groups and sectoral representatives in the BARMM parliament, which would require thorough consultations with stakeholders to ensure stability and peace in the region.
Escudero explained that by postponing the elections, Congress aims to provide the region ample time to reorganize its parliamentary structure and avoid disruptions caused by sudden shifts in representation. “Importanteng magawa yan para mabigyan ng notipikasyon ang ating mga kababayan doon sa BARMM kaugnay ng balakin ng Kongresong ipagpaliban ang election,” Escudero stated, adding that the delay would allow for a more organized and inclusive electoral process.
The proposed bill, which will be deliberated in a Senate hearing on Thursday after the mandatory three-day notice, has garnered attention from various sectors. Advocates of the postponement argue that delaying the elections is essential to ensure that BARMM is prepared for an orderly transition and to address the significant administrative adjustments following Sulu’s departure from the autonomous region.
This initiative comes as stakeholders across the BARMM express mixed reactions, with some welcoming the postponement as a chance to strengthen regional governance, while others remain concerned about the potential impact on the democratic process.
The forthcoming Senate discussions are expected to bring clarity to the issue, addressing both the budgetary and logistical requirements needed to manage the transition and maintain peace and order in the region.
