The Supreme Court (SC) rejected arguments linking its decision to exclude Sulu from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) with the postponement of the region’s first regular elections. SC spokesperson Camille Sue Mae Ting clarified on November 12 that the September 9 ruling was “immediately executory,” reinforcing that elections must proceed as scheduled.
Despite this, Congress is actively considering delaying the elections. Senate President Francis Escudero filed Senate Bill No. 2862, seeking to move the polls from May 12, 2025, to May 11, 2026, citing Sulu’s exclusion and related legal complexities. A similar bill, House Bill No. 11034, was introduced by Speaker Martin Romualdez. If approved, this would mark the second postponement of BARMM elections, initially set for May 2022.
Key Arguments for Postponement:
- Reallocation of Parliamentary Seats: Sulu’s exclusion reduces BARMM’s parliamentary seats from 80 to 73, requiring adjustments.
- Finality of SC Ruling: Petitioners and the BARMM government have pending motions for reconsideration.
- Security Concerns: Postponement could facilitate decommissioning of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) combatants.
- Voter Education: The elections will be the first parliamentary polls in the Philippines.
Arguments Against Postponement:
- Legitimacy of Leaders: Elections are essential for accountability and legitimacy.
- Voter Rights: Residents’ right to choose their leaders could be delayed.
- Constitutional Mandates: Synchronization with national and local elections is required.
- Preparedness: Political parties and candidates have already filed their candidacies.
Civil society groups and election watchdogs warn that further delays could undermine the region’s democratic transition and disrupt the peace process. The Senate is set to resume deliberations on the bills on November 20.
