Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday called on the Senate and the House of Representatives to swiftly enact the legislation necessary to set a new date for the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE). Comelec Chairperson George Garcia emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that the commission needs the legal framework immediately to guide its preparations and actions.

According to Philippines News Agency, the call for urgency follows Comelec's expression of gratitude to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. for prioritizing the proposed BPE law. The law was included among 21 priority measures during the recent Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting. Garcia highlighted the significance of the President's commitment, noting that Marcos has expressed willingness to certify the law as urgent to ensure the elections occur in September 2026.

Senate Bill 1823 has already reached the plenary stage, while House Bill 7236 is still pending at the committee level. The urgency is compounded by the history of postponements the BPE has faced, initially rescheduled from May 2022 to May 2025, then from May 2025 to October 13 last year, and most recently deferred from March 30 due to time constraints.