Senate President Francis Escudero emphasized the crucial need for voter autonomy in the upcoming Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections, advocating for a democratic process that ensures accountability and genuine representation.
Escudero stated on Tuesday the importance of allowing voters to choose their own leaders to establish accountability, as elected officials would then be answerable to the people rather than to the national government or the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
“It is important to establish this kind of accountability and responsibility of BARMM officials, who owe their post to every voter,” said Escudero.
Historically, when BARMM was the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), the national government dictated its leadership. This included the current leaders in BARMM who have held their positions for the past five years without direct election by the people.
Escudero noted that the upcoming elections mark the first time BARMM will elect its own officials, presenting a significant opportunity to demonstrate the effectiveness of a parliamentary system in the Philippines.
“This is so far the nearest experiment in the parliamentary form so we can see if this will be applicable in other parts of the Philippines,” he said.
BARMM officials, led by Governor Sakur Tan, recently paid a courtesy visit to Escudero at his Senate office.
In his State of the Nation Address (SONA) on Monday, President Marcos said that “BARMM appears primed and ready for its first regular elections in 2025,” considering recent positive developments in the region.
