MANILA: Senate President Francis Escudero announced that 35 out of 40 members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) who have filed their certificates of candidacy should now be replaced. Escudero emphasized the constitutional requirement that any appointed official seeking election must be considered resigned from their current position. According to Philippines News Agency, Escudero highlighted in a press briefing that this rule should extend to other officials appointed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., including the case of former Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos Jr. "Klaro para sa akin yung probisyon ng Konstitusyon: ipso facto (by the fact itself) resigned ang sinumang tatakbo. Walang exemption dun na appointed officials," he stated, stressing that no resignation letter is needed, and the resignation becomes effective immediately upon filing for candidacy. Escudero further explained that the BTA members cannot use the Bangsamoro Electoral Code to justify retaining their positions. He cited a clear violation of the Constitution and the Omnibus Election Code, stating, "Para sa akin, hindi lamang kwestyonable, klarong paglabag at walang epekto kung saka-sakali sa Saligang Batas at sa batas na ipinasa ng Kongreso." Escudero confirmed that he already discussed the issue with the President, urging a swift replacement of the 35 BTA members to avoid any legal complications. He also advised that this matter be prioritized before considering the proposed postponement of elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.