Manila: Malaca±ang has declared Sept. 14, 2026, a special non-working day in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to ensure residents' full participation in the region's inaugural parliamentary elections.

According to Philippines News Agency, the holiday declaration was contained in Proclamation No. 1395, signed by Executive Secretary Ralph Recto on Aug. 18, by authority of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. The declaration aims to give BARMM voters the opportunity to take part in the electoral process. The proclamation states, "In order to give the people of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao the opportunity to actively and fully participate in the election and exercise their right to vote, it is but fitting and proper to declare Monday, 14 September 2026, as a special (non-working) day."

Republic Act (RA) 12317 resets the first BARMM parliamentary elections to the second Monday of September 2026, which falls on Sept. 14. President Marcos previously emphasized the significance of these elections, highlighting their crucial role in the political development of the region as it continues to strengthen its autonomous governance.

The upcoming polls will enable Bangsamoro voters to elect representatives who will form the region's first Parliament and help shape policies and priorities under the region's parliamentary form of government. The BARMM was established under RA 11054, replacing the former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and providing the region with an expanded system of self-governance.