Senator Alan Peter Cayetano has expressed support for the measure resetting the first regular elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) saying it would give the region more time to prepare for elections.
Cayetano also said it would be more logical to delay the BARMM elections rather than hold them in May 11 2025.
“It would be more logical to give them this entire year to prepare for the elections and allow them to set long-term targets for their region and budget — targets that will shape the region in the next 5 to 10 years,” Cayetano said during a recent Senate plenary session where Senate Bill No. 2924 was tackled.
Moreover, the senator said the election postponement could “save the government billions of pesos.”
Though he did not support the Bangsamoro Basic Law in the past, Cayetano said he is committed to bring peace in the region.
“I’m glad that when we shook hands now with the Bangsamoro government, it was very warm because once upon a time we were debating harshly against each other,” he said.
He also acknowledged the significant pressure faced by BARMM ministers in implementing reforms in a region burdened by hardship.
“The reality is that if we go back to the status quo ante before the peace agreement, it would be dangerous for all of us,” he said.
“We need to stay invested in the peace process,” the lawmaker pointed out.