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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Adiong seeks reset of 1st BARMM parliamentary polls

Adiong seeks reset of 1st BARMM parliamentary polls

Published Jan 21, 2026 06:26 pm

At A Glance

  • House Assistant Minority Leader Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong is seeking to reset the first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections to Sept. 28, 2026.
Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)
Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong (Ellson Quismorio/ MANILA BULLETIN)


House Assistant Minority Leader Lanao del Sur 1st district Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong is seeking to reset the first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) parliamentary elections to Sept. 28, 2026.
Adiong filed for this purpose on Wednesday, Jan. 21 House Bill (HB) No. 7236, which sought to amend Republic Act (RA) No. 11054 or the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).
The measure, co-authored by Deputy Speaker Lanao del Sur 2nd district Rep. Yasser Alonto Balindong, seeks to fill the legal gap created by recent Supreme Court (SC) rulings, including the exclusion of Sulu from the BARMM and the invalidation of prior redistricting laws such as Bangsamoro Autonomy Acts Nos. 58 and 77.
By addressing this statutory gap, the bill ensures that the first BARMM parliamentary elections can proceed in a peaceful, orderly, and fully lawful manner, in full compliance with the Constitution, the BOL and prevailing jurisprudence.
“This bill is crucial to preserve the integrity of the Bangsamoro peace process and to deliver a lawful, transparent, and democratic transition to a fully elected Parliament,” Adiong said.
“By resetting the election date, we give the Commission on Elections (Comelec) sufficient time to prepare, redraw precincts based on the new districts, and conduct a peaceful, orderly, and credible electoral exercise," he explained.
Key provisions of the bill include the following:
- Setting the first regular BARMM parliamentary elections on Sept. 28, 2026, with subsequent elections synchronized with the 2028 national and local polls and held every three years thereafter.
- Extending the transition period, allowing the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to continue as the interim government until elected successors assume office.
- Utilizing the automated election system from the May 12, 2025 national and local elections for consistency and integrity, with the Comelec authorized to explore alternatives if necessary.
- Reopening the filing period for certificates of candidacy and sectoral manifestations of intent to ensure broader participation.
- Confirming voter eligibility based on the latest permanent registration list and setting the assumption of office for winning candidates on Dec. 1, 2026.
Meanwhile, Adiong thanked the BTA Parliament for passing Parliament Bill No. 415, the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Districts Act of 2025, on third and final reading. This law establishes 32 single-member parliamentary districts in the BARMM and is an essential prerequisite for a lawful and peaceful electoral process.
“I extend my heartfelt thanks to the Bangsamoro Parliament for their diligent work and commitment in passing this important districting law. Their timely action provides the necessary legal foundation for fair representation and ensures that the upcoming elections can be conducted peacefully and in accordance with the law,” he said.
“The allocation of 32 districts—nine in Lanao del Sur, five each in Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur, four each in Basilan and Tawi-Tawi, three in Cotabato City, and two in the Special Geographic Area—will help guarantee that every voice in the Bangsamoro is heard in a truly inclusive Parliament,” added the Mindanaoan.
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