Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is grappling with significant legal and operational challenges concerning the inaugural Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE). The central issue lies in the absence of a law to establish the date for this pivotal electoral exercise.

According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec chairperson George Garcia expressed uncertainty regarding the feasibility of holding the BPE by March 30, citing the lack of legislation fixing the election date as a primary concern. "We are now confronted with strong legal and operational issues as to whether the conduct of the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election is still feasible by March 30. Since there is no law yet fixing the date of the election, at this point, the same is still a question mark," Garcia stated.

In contrast, Garcia acknowledged the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament for passing Parliament Bill No. 415. This legislation, approved on its third and final reading on January 13, 2026, defines the 32 parliamentary districts within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The bill received approval with 48 votes in favor, 19 against, and four abstentions. Garcia commended the Parliament for this achievement, noting that the bill still requires the signature of Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua and must meet the effectivity clause requirements.

The BPE is set to elect 32 district representatives across the established parliamentary districts: nine representatives for Lanao del Sur; five each for Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur; four each for Basilan and Tawi-Tawi; three for Cotabato City; and two for the Special Geographic Area.

Garcia highlighted a legal complication, referencing a Supreme Court directive that prohibits redistricting 120 days before an election. He noted the contradiction arising from the decision to fix the election date on March 30, 2025, which clashes with this prohibition and legal provisions. The Supreme Court had instructed the BTA to enact the new law by October 30, 2025, to facilitate the BPE no later than March 31, 2026.

The Comelec has issued Resolution No. 11181, scheduling the BPE for March 30, 2026, as part of its efforts to address these challenges and ensure the electoral process proceeds as planned.