By Ruth Abbey Gita-Carlos | Philippine News Agency
Malacañang on Thursday said the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) will remain the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM) “legitimate” governing body following the postponement of the first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections.
The Office of the President (OP) said that since no election took place, the BTA would continue to exercise full powers and authority during the extended transition period until new officials are duly elected or appointed.
“The authority to make changes in the composition of the BTA during the transition remains with the Office of the President, as provided by law,” the OP said in a statement.
“No formal reappointment is necessary, as current members continue to hold office by operation of law until replaced or succeeded,” it added.
The OP said the BTA’s unhampered operations “ensure continuity of governance, legal stability, and an orderly transition in the Bangsamoro.”
It added that the continued authority of the BTA is consistent with the Bangsamoro Organic Law, Republic Act 12123, and the Supreme Court’s decision to postpone the first parliamentary elections scheduled for Oct. 13, 2025.
“The Office of the President reiterates its commitment to peace, self-governance, and inclusive development in the region,” it said.
Enacted in February 2025, RA 12123 reset the first regular elections in the BARMM to Oct. 13, 2025, from the original date of May 2025 and mandated that subsequent elections be synchronized with the 2028 national elections and held every three years thereafter.
In a decision dated Sept. 30, the SC declared unconstitutional the redistricting laws enacted by the BTA that were intended to guide the elections.
The Court also directed the BTA to craft a new law outlining BARMM’s legislative districts by Oct. 30. The ruling further moved the parliamentary elections to a date not later than March 31, 2026. (PNA)
