Speaker Martin Romualdez on Wednesday led colleagues in filing a bill to reset the first general elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) from May 12, 2025, to May 11, 2026.
Romualdez explained that the proposed postponement under House Bill (HB) 11034 reflects a shared commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for the Bangsamoro people, aligned with the request of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) and recent developments in the region.
“This [proposed] postponement is not a delay in progress, but rather a necessary step to ensure that the foundations we are building for BARMM are solid and capable of supporting a sustainable autonomous government,” he said.
Earlier, Senate President Francis Escudero introduced a counterpart measure in the Senate, highlighting the alignment and sense of urgency across both chambers of Congress.
In October, the BTA, the region’s interim leadership, formally requested an extension of the transition period until 2028, citing critical work that remains to be completed to ensure a successful shift to a fully functioning, democratically elected regional government.
The Speaker pointed out that the one-year deferment they seek will provide time for the BTA to work closely with various sectors in the region to address electoral readiness and voter education, among other matters.
Under the bill, the President shall appoint 80 new interim members of BTA, who shall serve until their successors shall have been elected and qualified.
Once enacted, the term of office of incumbent BTA members shall be deemed expired.
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 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 Tingog Party-list.
“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.”
He noted the recent Supreme Court decision that ruled the inclusion of Sulu in the BARMM as unconstitutional further complicated preparations for the 2025 elections.
The exclusion of Sulu created a legal vacuum in the BARMM Parliament’s composition, particularly concerning the allocation of parliamentary district seats, Romualdez explained.
“This [proposed] 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.
Editor’s Note: This is an updated article. Originally posted with the headline “Romualdez leads House in proposal to reset first BARMM elections.”
