BARMM districting law eyed for passage by December 2025
MANILA, Philippines — The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament has reiterated its commitment to complete and pass the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) districting law by December 2025, as part of its transitional mandate under the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
In a formal statement issued by the Office of the Floor Leader and Spokesperson, the BTA Parliament said it is addressing public queries regarding the current status and next steps in the districting process, which is essential for the conduct of the first regular Bangsamoro parliamentary elections.
The Parliament acknowledged the ongoing preparations of the Commission on Elections for the said elections, noting that these efforts are critical to ensuring an orderly and credible transition from the interim Bangsamoro government to a regular parliamentary system.
The statement also cited the Supreme Court ruling in Ali et al. vs. BTA Parliament (G.R. Nos. E-02219 and E-02235), which clarified that the authority to schedule the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections rests solely with Congress. The BTA Parliament said it respects the ruling and expressed anticipation for the conduct of the region’s first regular parliamentary polls.
As part of its legislative work, the Parliament disclosed that six versions of the proposed districting bill are currently before the body. These measures have been referred to the appropriate committees for detailed study, harmonization, and consolidation.
Public consultations on the proposed districting law have already begun. The first consultation was held in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi on November 6. Additional consultations are scheduled for December 4 in the Special Geographic Area (SGA), Maguindanao del Sur, and Basilan, and on December 7 in Maguindanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, and Cotabato City.
The BTA Parliament emphasized that the districting process is being undertaken with transparency, due diligence, and broad public participation, in line with constitutional and legal requirements.
Alongside the districting measure, the Parliament is also deliberating the proposed BARMM Budget Bill for 2026 to ensure the uninterrupted delivery of essential government programs and services in the region.
Floor Leader and Spokesperson MP Atty. Jet Lim said managing both the passage of the districting law and the approval of the regional budget underscores the Parliament’s commitment to responsible governance, public service continuity, and an inclusive political transition for the Bangsamoro people.
The BTA Parliament encouraged stakeholders and the general public to actively participate in the ongoing consultations and provide constructive input to help shape a fair, representative, and legally sound parliamentary districting system.
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