THE House of Representatives approved on Tuesday a measure delaying the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to May 2026.
With 198 votes in favor, four against, and no abstentions, House Bill (HB) 11144 moves the elections from May 2025 to the second Monday of May 2026.
Lanao del Sur Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, the bill’s primary proponent, cited unresolved legal issues, including the exclusion of Sulu from BARMM, questions about the constitutionality of the Bangsamoro electoral code, and the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) need for additional preparation time.
Adiong emphasized that the postponement aims to address legal concerns, enhance political participation, and solidify electoral processes. The measure would also end the current Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s (BTA) term, allowing the President to appoint 80 interim members until 2026.
Speaker Martin Romualdez, a co-author, said the extension allows BARMM to establish essential laws, institutions, and systems for sustainable governance.
Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman opposed the move, citing insufficient public consultation and warning against desynchronizing BARMM and national elections, which he said could lead to a return of feudal influence.
The BTA earlier passed a resolution seeking an extension of its mandate to 2028 to address governance and electoral issues.
