Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri on Thursday welcomed the enactment of Republic Act No. 12317, which resets the first regular parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), saying the move clears the way for a genuine transition to an elected regional government.
“This law will finally open the door to a true, elected Bangsamoro Parliament. Kapag may tunay na mandato mula sa mga mamamayan ng mga namumuno sa pamahalaan, mas defined ang accountability, mas matatag ang demokrasya at mas malalim ang ugat ng kapayapaan,” Zubiri said.
(When leaders in government have a genuine mandate from the people, accountability becomes more defined, democracy becomes stronger, and the roots of peace grow deeper.)
Meanwhile, BARMM leaders convened earlier this week to strengthen coordination between the regional government and local government units (LGUs), emphasizing unified governance ahead of the transition to an elected parliament.
Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua and Parliament Speaker Mohammad Yacob led the First Bangsamoro Government Executive-Legislative Forum held in Manila on March 23, bringing together governors, mayors, and key officials.
“We may be holding different mandates, but we serve one Bangsamoro. The people do not distinguish between the Executive and the Legislative; they expect one government to function efficiently and responsibly,” Macacua said.
The law moves the BARMM parliamentary elections to the second Monday of September this year and schedules succeeding polls alongside national and local elections beginning May 2031 and every three years thereafter.
Zubiri, principal author and sponsor of the measure and widely regarded as the “Father of the Bangsamoro Organic Law,” said the new timetable ends prolonged transition arrangements and brings the region closer to leaders elected directly by the people.
“Now that this law has been signed, the transition must give way to the people’s mandate. Hindi puwedeng laging extension ang sagot,” he said, stressing that self-determination becomes more meaningful when leaders are chosen through the ballot.
He added that the synchronized election cycle would reduce costs and administrative burdens while providing a more predictable governance framework, which is critical for investor confidence, service delivery, and long-term development planning.
Zubiri also urged future elected leaders to uphold accountability and prioritize public interest. “Kailangan nilang patunayan na ang mandatong ibibigay sa kanila ay hindi masasayang sa pamumulitika o sa pansariling interes,” he said.
(They need to prove that the mandate given to them will not be wasted on politicking or personal interests.)
The senator thanked President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for signing the measure and called on both institutions and voters to ensure a clean, peaceful, and credible electoral process.
The BARMM forum in Manila aimed to align policy directions between the executive and legislative branches and ensure that laws passed by the Bangsamoro Parliament translate into concrete programs at the local level.
Yacob underscored the importance of bridging legislation and implementation. “This is not just a forum: This is where regional legislation meets local implementation,” he said, adding that laws only gain meaning when felt in communities.
Macacua also called on LGUs to help eliminate corruption in government transactions, particularly the practice of “SOP” or grease money, which he said inflates project costs and burdens contractors.
Projects must be implemented clean and orderly to secure public funds from acts of corruption,” he said, stressing the need for regular dialogue to improve program delivery and outcomes.
Yacob highlighted key legislative measures, including the Bangsamoro Labor Code, Budget System Act, and the 2026 Bangsamoro Appropriations Act, as part of efforts to strengthen governance and promote inclusive growth.
He also cited transparency initiatives such as the Open Parliament Portal and the livestreaming of parliamentary sessions. “We are making the Parliament more accessible to our people, because accountability begins with transparency,” he said.
Describing the forum as a milestone in intergovernmental collaboration, Yacob called for sustained cooperation among all levels of government to ensure that the gains of the peace process translate into tangible benefits.
“Together, the Parliament, the Executive, and our local governments must work hand-in-hand to ensure that the promise of the Bangsamoro reaches every community,” he said.
