Marcos resets BARMM polls

MANILA, Philippines —  President Marcos has signed into law a measure rescheduling the first parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to the second Monday of September this year.

The resetting of the first regular election for the Bangsamoro government is provided under Republic Act 12317, enacted yesterday.

The law also states that the next regular election for the Bangsamoro government will be held on the second Monday of May 2031, and every three years thereafter, to synchronize the BARMM parliamentary polls with the general elections.

The measure, which amended the Bangsamoro Organic Law, also mandated the Commission on Elections to promulgate rules and regulations for the conduct of the electoral exercise.

During the extension of the transition period, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority will remain as the interim government in the BARMM, unless the members of the BTA are replaced by the President or their tenure is shortened by their election to a different office.

The BTA’s interim members will serve until their successors are elected and qualified in an automated election.

The automated election system used during the 2025 polls will be used for the conduct of the first BARMM parliamentary elections.

The term of office of elected officials will start at noon of Oct. 30, 2026 and will end at noon of June 30, 2031.

Starting 2031, elected BARMM officials will assume office at noon of June 30, following their election.