Marcos signs law resetting BARMM polls to September 2026
President Marcos has signed into law a measure resetting the first regular elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to September 2026.
The law, Republic Act No. 12317, moves the BARMM parliamentary elections to the second Monday of September 2026, amending provisions of the Bangsamoro Organic Law. The election would now fall on Sept. 14, 2026.
Under the measure, signed by the President on March 25, subsequent BARMM elections will be synchronized with national and local polls starting May 2031, and every three years thereafter.
The law also extends the transition period in the BARMM, with the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) continuing as the interim government until a new set of officials is elected and qualified.
Automated system retained
The measure mandates the continued use of the automated election system used in the 2025 national and local elections for the conduct of the BARMM parliamentary polls.
This includes all machines, equipment, and service providers involved in election operations and maintenance.
New filing period
A new filing period for certificates of candidacy and partylist nominations will also be set.
Candidates who previously filed their certificates of candidacy will be required to refile within the new period to be determined by the Commission on Elections.
The law took effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.