Marcos: BARMM 1st parliamentary polls to push through
Published Jul 22, 2026 01:24 pm
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. poses for a group photo with officials and residents in Maguindanao del Norte on July 22, 2026. (RTVM)
President Marcos vowed that the first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections would finally push through in September.
"We are determined that we will push through with the second Monday of September – in the coming September and to finally achieve our dream, our goal of being able to say that we have a duly elected parliament in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)," the President said.
Marcos made the statement on Wednesday, July 22, during the launch of the National Government-Bangsamoro Government Convergence Program held in Camp Siongco, Awang, Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte.
"This provides the BARMM Government sufficient time to implement the Court's decision while upholding the autonomy and democratic aspirations of the Bangsamoro people," the President also said.
Marcos cited the enacted amendments to the Bangsamoro Organic Law following the Supreme Court's ruling on the territorial composition of BARMM.
These, he said, provide the necessary legal and administrative adjustments to ensure an orderly, credible, and inclusive electoral process.
The President further stated that his administration's commitment also "extends to preserving the religious and cultural traditions of our Muslim brothers and sisters," citing that through Iftar Program, sociocultural and socioeconomic initiatives reach communities in ways that are respectful of their faith and of their traditions.
From January 2025 to May 2026, Marcos said the government provided social and basic services, including relief assistance, burial assistance, and medical missions, to more than 18,200 beneficiaries.
"Over the past two years, we have also extended assistance to more than 26,800 Hajj registrants," he added.
National Government-Bangsamoro Government Convergence Program
During the event, Marcos led the ceremonial turnover of approximately P3.4 billion worth of projects and assistance during the launch of the National Government–Bangsamoro Government Convergence Program in Maguindanao del Norte.
The program aims to strengthen coordination between national and regional government institutions and bring essential public services closer to Bangsamoro communities through a whole-of-government approach.
Among the interventions turned over during the program were the following:
P1 billion for Project AMAL (Assistance for Mainstreaming and Advancement of Livelihoods), providing livelihood and socioeconomic support to conflict-affected and vulnerable communities;
P150 million under the Bangsamoro Tulong sa Mahihirap at Pangangailangan (BTUPAD) program for provincial local government units;
P100 million worth of prepositioned disaster relief and recovery goods for the five BARMM provinces through the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG);
P64 million for the construction of tourism parks in selected municipalities and cities through the Ministry of Trade, Investments and Tourism (MTIT);
P18.75 million in fuel subsidy assistance for public utility vehicle operators through the Ministry of Transportation and Communications (MOTC); and
P15.74 million in reintegration assistance for returning Overseas Bangsamoro Workers under the Ministry of Labor and Employment (MOLE).
These investments are expected to strengthen disaster preparedness, expand livelihood opportunities, support workers and transport operators, stimulate local economic activity, and improve the delivery of essential services across the Bangsamoro Region.
The Convergence Program underscores the shared commitment of the Bangsamoro Government and the National Government to strengthen intergovernmental collaboration, improve service delivery, and advance inclusive development across the Bangsamoro Region, the organizers said.
In his speech, Marcos stressed that his administration remains committed in "pursuing reforms that enhance the quality of life of every Filipino, strengthen the foundations of our economy, and to ensure that no community is left behind."
With this, he called upon every Filipino to become an active partner in this shared endeavor.
"Maximize these opportunities to safeguard your health, to strengthen livelihoods, and to contribute to the continued progress of your communities," he said.