The proposed five-month postponement of the elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao will allow the interim BARMM government to amend key legislation following the exclusion of Sulu from the area, presidential peace adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said.
Among the measures that need to be amended to align with the Supreme Court ruling removing Sulu from BARMM are the autonomous region’s Electoral Code and Local Government Code, he added.
“Instituting these amendments will take time. This is the reason why giving the Bangsamoro government more time by virtue of the BARMM election’s postponement is crucial. We have to ensure that all legal issues are addressed,” he said.
Galvez said Senate Bill No. 2942, which resets the BARMM polls to October 13, 2025, will also give the national and regional governments more time to implement the commitments under the Bangsamoro peace agreement.
The President has certified the measure as urgent, which means the Senate is now allowed to approve it on third and final reading on the same day.
The Supreme Court ruling left seven seats in the Bangsamoro Parliament vacant.
Galvez said the President’s move to certify as urgent the Senate bill was anchored on his steadfast commitment to push forward, sustain, and build on the gains of the Bangsamoro peace process.
“Time and again, President Marcos has declared that the peace process in the Bangsamoro is the cornerstone of his administration’s peace agenda. He has not wavered in his commitment,” Galvez said.
He underscored the findings of extensive consultations conducted by OPAPRU, which indicated that peace stakeholders not only in the Bangsamoro but throughout the country favored the re-scheduling of the BARMM elections.
“Based on studies and consultations with our peace partners, there is a groundswell of support for the resetting of the BARMM elections. This means that we have the backing of virtually all stakeholders,” Galvez said.
“It is better to act right instead of fast-tracking the conduct of the BARMM elections, which could result in issues that may have adverse repercussions on the Bangsamoro peace process,” Galvez added.
The Commission on Elections earlier said it would need P2.5 billion for the separate elections of the Bangsamoro Parliament.
Comelec chairman George Garcia said the special election will need separate equipment, teachers, and ballots.
He also noted the poll body will have to assess whether the rescheduling of the election will require the reopening of the filing of certificates of candidacy.