Four governors in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao have sought the postponement of the first regular parliamentary elections in the region that coincides with the mid-term elections next year.
In joint statement signed by Basilan Gov. Jim S. Hataman Salliman, Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr., Maguindanao del Norte Gov. Abdulraof A. Macacua, and Tawi-Tawi Gov. Yshmael Sali, a copy of which was sent to the Manila Bulletin on Wednesday night, Nov. 20, they said the elections must be postponed due to the “recent exclusion of the province of Sulu from the BARMM by the Supreme Court" and "to be able to uphold the principles enshrined in the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) and ensure a credible and inclusive electoral process that reflects the will of the Bangsamoro people.”
They urged Congress to demonstrate their unwavering commitment to the peace process and the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people by swiftly enacting the bills resetting the BARMM parliamentary elections to May 11, 2026.
These measures were filed by House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez and Senate President Chiz Escudero.
“This act of legislative responsibility is not just a political decision; it is an act of justice, a reaffirmation of our shared commitment to building a peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive Bangsamoro for all,” the four governors said.
The four governors said the postponement of the elections will also uphold the integrity of the BOL which mandates an 80-member parliament with a specific allocation for parliamentary district representatives based on population and geographical area.
“Proceeding with the elections under the current framework would result in a 73-member parliament, a direct contravention of the BOL, and undermines the legitimacy of the parliament,” they said.
The SC decision excluding Sulu removed seven members from the parliament.
The move, they said, will also ensure equitable representation as a result of the decision removing Sulu from the BARMM.
“The removal of Sulu disenfranchises its people and raises concerns about fair and equitable representation within the BARMM parliament. Resetting the elections allows time to reconfigure electoral districts, ensuring that all remaining areas have adequate representation.”
More importantly, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), mandated to oversee the transition to the BARMM, recognizes that any immediate action to excise Sulu from the electoral process would be premature and insensitive to the ongoing legal challenges and the deep-rooted sociocultural ties that bind Sulu to the Bangsamoro identity, they added.
Third, they said, the move will address legal and administrative challenges.
“The Supreme Court's decision has raised complex legal questions that require careful consideration and resolution. Additionally, the creation of the province of Kutawato from the Special Geographic Area necessitates adjustments to the electoral process and representation. Resetting the elections provides the necessary time to address these issues effectively. Rushing these processes within the current timeframe risks further disenfranchisement and undermines the integrity of the elections.”
The fourth and the most important, they said, will promote a credible and inclusive electoral process and provide more time for preparations.
“Conducting the first BARMM parliamentary elections requires meticulous planning, voter education, and coordination among stakeholders. The current timeline does not provide sufficient time for these preparations, potentially undermining the credibility of the elections. Postponing the elections to 2026 allows ample time for a comprehensive and inclusive electoral process.”
The four governors added that “this purposeful resetting is intended to ensure that the electoral process is conducted with integrity and safeguards the fundamental right of suffrage by creating the conditions indispensable for its meaningful exercise.”
“This is not a decision taken lightly, but one borne out of necessity, a commitment to rectify legal discrepancies, address political realities, and ultimately pave the way for a truly representative and democratic Bangsamoro government.”