Marcos enacts law resetting the first BARMM elections

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday signed into law a measure resetting the first parliamentary elections of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Republic Act (RA) 121317 moves the region’s first regular election from March to the second Monday of September 2026, the fourth time the polls were reset. It also amends Section 13, Article XVI of Republic Act 11054, or the “Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.” “For the purpose of synchronizing the BARMM Parliamentary Elections with the national and local elections, the regular elections for the Bangsamoro Government shall be held on the second Monday of May 2031 and every three years thereafter,” part of RA 121317 read. “The Commission on Elections shall promulgate rules and regulations for the conduct of the elections, enforce, and administer them this Organic Law,” it added. The new law authorizes the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to continue as the interim government of the BARMM while still in transition period “unless such interim members are replaced by the president or their tenure is shortened by their election to a different office.” The interim members of the BTA shall serve until their successors shall have been elected and qualified in an automated election. RA 121317 likewise mandates the use of the automated election system used in the May 12, 2025 national and local polls. This includes all machines, devices, equipment, and supplies used, as well as the service providers involved in their operation and maintenance. Marcos regarded the BARMM elections as crucial to the government’s push to achieve lasting peace and development in the southern part of the country. “If that election fails, that will be a big failure in the peace process, that's why the BARMM elections need to be successful,” he said.

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