Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is considering the postponement of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections (BPE), which are scheduled for October 13. Comelec Chairperson George Garcia stated that a decision will likely be made next week as further discussions are needed on critical issues.
According to Philippines News Agency, Garcia emphasized the importance of adhering to the correct process, noting that the decision-making process has already begun. "We will decide next week, but the process will start today. Section 5 is strict. This is delegated power. We want to follow the correct process before we get to the declaration. Importantly, next week is September 30. Therefore, the election is only 13 days away," Garcia explained.
The Project Management Office (PMO) in the region has indicated that it is "absolutely impossible to continue" with the elections, prompting the poll body to halt its preparations internally. "In our opinion, I hope they will understand why the Comelec stopped its preparations internally. It is impossible for us to continue because we do not know what to continue," Garcia added.
Garcia cited "force majeure" as a potential reason for deferring the elections, referencing a temporary restraining order issued by the Supreme Court last week. "Force majeure is an act of God. Unexpected. Earthquake, flood, unexpected. Broadly speaking, it means something that can prevent the action that should be taken, that is force majeure. We can consider that in the issuance of TRO," he stated.
He reassured the public that the postponement power is granted under the Omnibus Election Code, Section 5, which allows for election delays due to terrorism, violence, or force majeure, with a 30-day period to reschedule following the cessation of the event. Garcia also mentioned that the next steps would depend on the Supreme Court's disposition regarding the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) 77 or BAA 58, which affects the validity of the printed ballots.
