SENATE President Francis “Chiz” Escudero filed Senate Bill 2862 on November 4, 2024, seeking to postpone the first regular elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao from May 12, 2025, to May 11, 2026.
The senator said that the bill was filed upon request by Malacanang in response to recent developments, including a Supreme Court ruling that excludes Sulu from the BARMM, requiring adjustments in legislative districts and parliamentary seats in the region.
Escudero’s bill follows a similar resolution passed by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), BTA Resolution No. 641, on October 22, 2024. Authored by Member of Parliament Baintan Ampatuan, the resolution calls for the rescheduling of the BARMM elections to 2028 to coincide with the national and local elections. The BTA cited the need for a smoother transition and time to adjust to the changes brought by Sulu’s exclusion from the region.
Postponing the elections allows necessary time to resolve legal and logistical issues, ensuring voters in newly-formed municipalities are not disenfranchised. It also gives Congress ample time to pass laws that reallocate parliamentary seats and address representation concerns after Sulu’s departure. Moreover, a delay would provide additional time for BARMM to implement crucial institutional reforms for better governance and regional stability.
On the other hand, postponing the elections again risks undermining public trust in the democratic process, especially since the BARMM elections were previously postponed in 2021 due to the pandemic. Critics argue that further delays could frustrate voters, who expect timely elections and the opportunity to choose their leaders. The extended term of the BTA could also result in political stagnation, impeding progress in the region.
While Senate Bill 2862 and BTA Resolution No. 641 address necessary adjustments following the Supreme Court decision, postponing the elections again may erode confidence in the region’s path toward self-governance. The decision requires careful consideration to balance institutional needs with the public’s expectations for timely elections and democratic participation.
