By Brian Campued
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday signed Republic Act (RA) No. 12317, moving the first regular elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to the second Monday of September 2026, or on Sept. 14.
Under RA 12317, the transition period has been extended, allowing the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to continue serving as interim government, “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,” the law stated.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is likewise mandated to promulgate rules and regulations for the conduct of the elections as well as enforce and administer the polls in accordance with the national law, the Bangsamoro Organic Law, and the Bangsamoro Electoral Code.
The automated election system used in the May 2025 polls will also be employed for the conduct of the first BARMM elections.
Candidates for parliamentary district representatives and nominees for duly accredited political parties and coalitions who filed their certificates of candidacy and certificates of acceptance of nomination with affidavits on Nov. 4–9, 2024 will be required to refile within the new period to be set by the Comelec.
All qualified voters registered in the permanent list in a precinct of the city or municipality within the BARMM based on the latest Election Registration Board hearing will be entitled to vote in the BARMM polls.
The term of office of the officials elected in the BARMM parliamentary elections will start at noon on Oct. 30, 2026 and end on June 30, 2031.
Beginning 2031, the elected officials will assume office at noon on June 30 following their election.
“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,” the law stated.
Lawmakers’ support
In a press release Thursday, House Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III welcomed the signing of the law, calling it a crucial step toward a more stable and credible transition in BARMM.
“The signing of this law strengthens the foundations of the Bangsamoro political system and ensures that the first regular parliamentary elections are conducted in a credible, orderly, and well-prepared manner,” Speaker Dy said.
“The goal is to implement the transition properly. We are working to ensure that when the Bangsamoro people choose their leaders, it is under a system that is ready, credible, and fully prepared to carry their mandate,” he added.
Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri also expressed support for the signing of the measure, noting that it will allow Bangsamoro people to exercise their right to choose leaders who will govern the region.
“This law will finally open the door to a true, elected Bangsamoro Parliament. Kapag may tunay na mandato mula sa mga mamamayan ng mga namumuno sa pamahalaan, mas defined ang accountability, mas matatag ang demokrasya at mas malalim ang ugat ng kapayapaan,” Sen. Zubiri said.
“Now that this law has been signed, the transition must give way to the people’s mandate. Hindi puwedeng laging extension ang sagot. Darating talaga tayo sa punto na ang dapat magsalita ay ang taumbayan ng Bangsamoro, at iyon na ang panahong ito,” the lawmaker added.
-jpv
