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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Bam Aquino supports holding of BARMM polls in March 2026

Bam Aquino supports holding of BARMM polls in March 2026

Published Nov 21, 2025 01:10 pm

At A Glance

  • Sen. Paolo "Bam" Aquino IV made the statement after the Supreme Court required the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to finalize the distribution of parliamentary seats and ordered the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to conduct elections no later than March 31, 2026.


Senator Paolo “Bam” Aquino IV on Friday, November 21 said he supports the conduct of the first-ever parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in March 2026.

This, after the Supreme Court required the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to finalize the distribution of parliamentary seats and ordered the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to conduct elections no later than March 31, 2026.

Aquino said such move is crucial to the development, empowerment, and accountability of the BARMM polls, which was originally scheduled for Oct. 13, 2025.

The BARMM elections were canceled after the High Court ruled that Bangsamoro Autonomy Acts (BAA) 58 and 77—the laws that redistricted the seven parliamentary seats originally assigned for Sulu—were unconstitutional.

Aquino stressed that the first parliamentary elections of BARMM will pave the way for the full autonomy envisioned in the law and fulfill the decades-long struggle of the Moro people.

“The upcoming elections are very important for our countrymen in BARMM. With its help, the goal of the autonomy law that they have long fought for will be fulfilled,” Aquino said.

“It will also ensure a clear mandate from the people and continued peace and order in the region," he said.

He, however, warned that prolonged uncertainty could undermine public confidence in the electoral process and hinder the full realization of peace and self-governance in the region.

“The long-awaited elections in BARMM had been postponed several times. It is time to listen to the voices of our countrymen in BARMM, to ensure that they achieve the changes they want in the region and that development continues,” he stressed.

Aquino also urged the poll body to ensure that the BARMM elections, this time, will push through as scheduled.

Related Tags

BARMM BARMM polls Bam Aquino
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