MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has officially signed into law the postponement of the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), originally set for May 2025. Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin confirmed the development to reporters on Friday (21 Feb 2025).
The delay, which reschedules the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) from May 12 to October 13, 2025, comes after concerns over unresolved issues in the region. These include the exclusion of Sulu from BARMM, challenges regarding the constitutionality of the Bangsamoro Electoral Code of 2023, and a request from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for more time to prepare.
In October 2024, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) passed Resolution 641, urging an extension of its mandate until 2028, citing concerns that holding elections in 2025 without addressing these issues could destabilize the region’s developing government.
Malacañang has yet to release the full text of the new law, but Comelec Chairman George Garcia confirmed that Republic Act No. 12123 will now set the new election date for October. He also emphasized that additional preparations, including clarifications on funding and parliamentary seats, are needed before the Commission can finalize its plans.
“As soon as we receive the signed law, we will adjust our preparations accordingly,” Garcia stated.
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