Senators are expressing optimism that the House of Representatives will align with the Senate’s proposal to delay the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections by five months, a timeline favored by the Executive Branch. Senator Francis Escudero shared his hopes, noting that the Senate’s decision was influenced by extensive discussions among security and election officials. Senate Deputy Majority Leader Joseph Victor ‘JV’ Ejercito, who championed the bill, stressed the necessity of collaboration between the Senate and the presidential palace on this issue. Ejercito mentioned that while initial talks considered a delay of five to six months, the Senate ultimately agreed on a five-month postponement. In contrast, the House of Representatives had previously approved a one-year deferral of the BARMM elections. Legislators are working to pass the bill before the congressional recess on February 7, with Ejercito detailing that the Senate is poised to give final approval on Monday, followed by a bicameral conference the next day. The goal is to have the bill ratified before the break. The BARMM elections, initially set for May 12, 2025, are being rescheduled due to concerns voiced by security and election officials.
Senate Optimistic About House Approval of Five-Month BARMM Election Delay
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