MANILA – The decision to delay the 2025 elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) lies with the House of Representatives, according to Senate President Francis Escudero. Speaking at the regular Kapihan sa Senado, Escudero emphasized that the proposal is a local bill and should originate and be finalized by the House before it reaches the Senate for discussion.
Escudero pointed out that the House has yet to hold any public hearings on the matter. When questioned about whether Malacañang should push the House to begin deliberations, he argued that the Palace should not intervene, as the House has its own procedures to follow. He reiterated that the bill, even after committee review, would need to go through the Committee on Rules and would not be reported out until the House passes it and it reaches the Senate plenary.
Escudero has introduced Senate Bill No. 2862, which proposes moving the first BARMM elections from May 12, 2025, to May 11, 2026, to promote ongoing peace, development, and progress in the region. During the initial public hearing on this bill, Presidential Peace Adviser Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. highlighted that postponing the elections would give the Bangsamoro Transition Authority time to enhance existing policies and complete the decommissioning of former Moro Islamic Liberation Front fighters.
In a recent interview, Senator Ronald dela Rosa mentioned that while some senators are hesitant about supporting the delay of the BARMM elections, they remain willing to engage in further discussions on the issue.