Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday announced its plans to request the Senate to set a date for the inaugural Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections (BPE).

According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia indicated that they would also urge the senators to consider their recommendations should the scheduled BPE on March 30 face any delays. In a media interview, Garcia stated, "So we will likewise be giving the same copy of the draft bill to our Senate, maybe they can also consider it."

On the same day, Senate Majority Floor Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri introduced a measure proposing the BPE be held in March this year. Senate Bill No. 1587 aims to amend Section 13, Article XVI of RA 11054, or the Bangsamoro Organic Law, rescheduling the BARMM elections to March 30, 2026, with the elected officials assuming office at noon on April 30 following their election. "Majority leader Zubiri was the first to file a bill. Although it is subject to debate and amendments," Garcia added.

Garcia emphasized that their proposal would encompass the electoral system and other relevant aspects. "We will incorporate the system, equipment, and it should be treated as a special election so that voters can vote at the time of the election," he noted.

The Commission, in its proposal to the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, advocates for the BPE to occur either in May or late September or early October this year. Previously, the Supreme Court instructed the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to enact a new BARMM districting law by October 30, 2025, and directed the Comelec to make necessary preparations and conduct the BPE by March 31, 2026, at the latest.

On January 13, the BTA approved Parliament Bill No. 415, redefining the 32 parliamentary districts within the BARMM.