President Marcos said they are still studying the possible suspension of the first-ever parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)in the light of the Supreme Court (SC) decision separating Sulu from the region.
Marcos said the elections might not happen next year, considering the SC decision.
"Well, we’re still studying it. Some of the local officials are saying, because of the Supreme Court decision of separating Sulu from BARMM, maraming (there are many) implications in terms of the changes that have to be made," Marcos said in an interview in Pangasinan on Friday when sought for reaction on calls to suspend the BARMM elections.
"[B]aka hindi natin kayang gawin (We might not be able to do it) by May of next year," he added.
The President said they have to consider the changes brought by the decision, citing that districts that are previously in Sulu and the eight municipalities that currently have no particular district and province.
He stressed that due to the changes, the Transition Authority need to work on the new system, new administratory code, new local government code, and new electoral code.
Marcos further said that these are some of the many consequences of the SC decision that they have not foreseen, thus, they must work on the changes first and not do the election in haste.
"Marami tayong hindi nakita na naging unintended consequence ng decision ng Supreme Court. Hangga’t maaari, gagawin namin isasabay natin. Kung hindi kaya, mas mabuti nang maging tama kesa imadali natin tapos magkagulo lang (There are may unintended consequences in the decision of the Supreme Court. As much as possible, we will do it at the same time. But if we are unable to, it's better to be right than act in haste that would result to a mess)," Marcos said.
The President did not mention how long will they study the fate of the BARMM elections, but he said that they must look thoroughly into the consequences of the decision first.
The supposed BARMM elections were scheduled in May next year, coinciding with the mid-term elections.