Senator Joseph Victor "JV" Ejercito has proposed resetting the first regular elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to August 11, 2025, three months from its supposed schedule.

In sponsoring Senate Bill No. 2942, Ejercito sought to amend Article XVI, Section 13 of Republic Act No. 11054, also known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law to synchronize future elections with the 2028 national polls and every three years thereafter.

While the right to vote is paramount, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Government said the proposed adjustment in the BARMM polls serves a greater purpose.

“After careful deliberation and consultations with all stakeholders, we have crafted a committee report that is both inclusive and acceptable,” Ejercito said.

“This bill does not seek to deny anyone their right to vote. Instead, it proposes a reasonable adjustment to give the Commission on Elections (Comelec) significant time to prepare and the current Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to wind up their transactions,” Ejercito said.

The extension will also address uncertainties regarding the status and salaries of BTA employees. Under the bill, BTA members will serve until their successors are elected and sworn into office.

The bill, which is principally authored by Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero, will also automatically consider candidates who filed for the 2024 elections as nominees for the 2025 polls.

Once enacted, the measure will streamline nationwide electoral processes and provide the Bangsamoro region a steady and effective path toward self-governance.

“I hope this measure reflects the collective aspirations of our Filipino Muslim brothers and sisters,” Ejercito stressed.