President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. warned against forces outside the democratic processes that might mess up the first Bangsamoro elections in 2025, saying these should not be allowed to “deviate our dreams.”
“The preparations we have made will be tested in May 2025 when we will hold the very first elections for the BARMM parliament,” Marcos said during the 17th meeting of the national government—Bangsamoro government Intergovernmental Relations Body (IGRB) in Pasay City.
“On this, let me be blunt that, perhaps, we must remind ourselves that we are now operating under different rules and that we cannot allow forces outside of the democratic process to deviate our dreams and our aspirations from a democratic process,” Marcos said.
The President said no voter should be disenfranchised by violence, intimidation, or bribery.
“I urge all of you, and we will be by your side, to make this very historic election, this very historical and important event a success. Let us show the world that it is peaceful and it is credible,” he said.
“And after the elections, it will be a new chapter for BARMM. I face the future with optimism. What gives me hope is the belief that you have prepared well, you are ripe, and you are ready,” Mr. Marcos added.
The first-ever election in the Bangsamoro region was originally scheduled in May 2022 but was postponed due to the pandemic.
”A stronger BARMM means a stronger Mindanao. A stronger Mindanao means a stronger Philippines bringing us closer to achieving our agendas,” Mr. Marcos said.
Bagong Pilipinas, the President said, would be incomplete without a progressive Bangsamoro region.