ROMUALDEZ LEADS COLLEAGUES IN FILING BILL TO RESET FIRST BARMM ELECTIONS

By Junex Doronio

MANILA – Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez has led his colleagues in filing a bill to reset the first general elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), moving the election date from May 12, 2025, to May 11, 2026.

The leader of the over 300-member House of Representatives explained that the proposed postponement, under House Bill (HB) No. 11034, reflects a shared commitment to ensuring a well-prepared and effective transition for the Bangsamoro people.

The new timeline aligns with a request from the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) and recent developments in the region.

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has introduced a counterpart measure in the Senate, emphasizing the alignment and urgency across both chambers of Congress.

The BTA, which has governed the region since its creation, formally requested an extension of the transition period, citing the critical work that remains to ensure a successful shift to a fully functioning, democratically elected regional government. In October, the BTA passed Resolution No. 641, requesting an extension of the transition period until 2028.

The additional time would allow the BTA to fulfill its mandate of laying the essential foundations for self-governance in the Bangsamoro, including passing crucial laws, building institutions, and creating systems to support the future BARMM government.

Romualdez emphasized that the BTA’s request reflects a genuine need for more time to address key governance, electoral, and administrative issues. Given the region’s complex history and the challenges inherent in establishing a new autonomous government, the Speaker noted that the proposed postponement aligns with the BTA’s goal of ensuring stability and readiness for BARMM’s first election. It also underscores the commitment to realizing a peaceful, inclusive, and resilient Bangsamoro.

The recent Supreme Court (SC) ruling, which declared the inclusion of Sulu in the BARMM unconstitutional, has further complicated preparations for the 2025 elections. The exclusion of Sulu has created a legal vacuum regarding the BARMM Parliament’s composition, particularly in the allocation of parliamentary district seats.

The Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) mandates carefully balanced representation for political parties, districts, and sectoral groups. With Sulu removed from BARMM jurisdiction, the parliamentary seat allocations must be recalibrated, a process requiring time and significant legislative adjustments to reflect the region’s new structure.

The BTA has expressed concerns that holding the elections in 2025 without addressing these issues could result in significant operational and representational gaps, potentially hindering BARMM’s effective governance and stability.

By aligning with the BTA’s call for an extended transition, Romualdez noted, the proposed postponement would allow the BARMM Parliament time to adjust its composition and give the BTA the opportunity to facilitate a smoother transition, free from the disruption of unresolved legal and administrative challenges.

Romualdez emphasized that the extension supports BARMM’s journey toward a mature and stable government. “This postponement is not a delay in progress, but a necessary step to ensure that the foundations we are building for BARMM are solid and capable of supporting a sustainable autonomous government,” he stated.

The one-year deferment will also provide time for the BTA to work closely with various sectors in the region to address electoral readiness and voter education, ensuring that the Bangsamoro people are fully prepared to participate in a democratic process that truly reflects their will.

Under the bill, the President will appoint 80 new interim members to the BTA, who will serve until their successors are elected and qualified. The term of office of the current BTA members will be deemed expired. The proposed law will take effect 15 days after publication in the Official Gazette or in at least one newspaper of general circulation.

Other co-authors of the deferment bill include Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga 3rd District Rep. Aurelio Gonzales Jr., Majority Leader Manuel Jose Dalipe, Senior Deputy Majority Leader and Ilocos Norte Rep. Ferdinand Alexander “Sandro” A. Marcos, Deputy Speaker Yasser Alonto Balindong, Representatives Zia Alonto Adiong of Lanao del Sur, Bai Dimple Mastura of Maguindanao del Norte, Munir Arbison Jr. of Sulu, and Yedda K. Romualdez and Jude Acidre of the Tingog Party-list.

In their bill, Romualdez and his co-authors underscored the BARMM’s critical role in fostering peace and economic development in Mindanao. They argued that the transition period extension is not merely a delay but a commitment to honoring the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people, ensuring that the historic first election is conducted in a way that guarantees fair representation, stability, and readiness for governance.

“This legislation,” Romualdez noted, “responds to the unique context of the Bangsamoro, allowing the region to uphold its autonomy while also adhering to the highest standards of governance within the Philippines.”

“This law is a testament to Congress’ dedication to the success of the BARMM, providing leaders with the time they need to complete this transition thoughtfully, inclusively, and with resilience for future generations,” he added.

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