Lanao del sur: Lanao del Sur 1st District Representative Zia Alonto Adiong introduced a bill on Wednesday to reschedule the inaugural Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections to September 28, 2026.
According to Philippines News Agency, the chairperson of the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, Adiong, stated that House Bill No. 7236 aims to amend the Bangsamoro Organic Law (Republic Act No. 11054) to address legal gaps following recent Supreme Court rulings. These rulings include the exclusion of Sulu from the BARMM and the invalidation of previous redistricting laws such as Bangsamoro Autonomy Acts Nos. 58 and 77.
Adiong highlighted that the bill is designed to ensure that the first BARMM parliamentary elections proceed peacefully, orderly, and lawfully. The proposed legislation sets the first regular BARMM parliamentary elections on September 28, with subsequent elections synchronized with the 2028 national and local polls, and every three years thereafter.
The bill also proposes that the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) remain as the interim government until elected successors take office. It calls for the use of the automated election system from the May 12, 2025 national and local elections to maintain consistency and integrity. Additionally, it suggests reopening the filing period for certificates of candidacy and sectoral manifestations of intent to encourage broader participation, confirming voter eligibility based on the latest permanent registration list, and setting the assumption of office for winning candidates on December 1, 2026.
Adiong, co-authoring the bill with Lanao del Sur 2nd District Representative Yasser Alonto Balindong, emphasized the importance of this measure in upholding democratic principles and safeguarding the achievements of the Bangsamoro peace process. He stressed that resetting the election date allows the Commission on Elections ample time to prepare, redraw precincts based on new districts, and conduct a credible electoral exercise.
He also expressed gratitude to the BTA Parliament for passing Parliament Bill No. 415, which establishes 32 single-member parliamentary districts in the BARMM, an essential step for a lawful and peaceful electoral process. Adiong stated that the allocation of 32 districts will ensure that every voice in the Bangsamoro is represented in a truly inclusive Parliament.
