BARMM Election Delay Grants More Time for Peace Initiatives

The potential delay of the parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is seen as an opportunity for both national and regional governments to advance their peace efforts, according to the Philippine peace agency. Carlito Galvez Jr., Secretary of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity (OPAPRU), expressed support for President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision to prioritize the rescheduling of the BARMM elections. Galvez emphasized the necessity for the Bangsamoro government to revise important laws, including its electoral and local government codes, in response to a Supreme Court decision that removed Sulu province from the BARMM. He noted that the time required for these legal adjustments underscores the importance of postponing the elections to ensure all legal concerns are resolved. Galvez highlighted that the President’s action reflects a strong dedication to enhancing the Bangsamoro peace process. He also mentioned that extensive consultations by OPAPRU revealed widespread support across the Philippines for delaying the BARMM elections. Galvez argued that it is more important to proceed correctly than to rush the elections, which could negatively impact the peace process. During discussions on Senate Bill No. 2942, which proposes moving the first BARMM parliamentary elections from May 12 to August 11, Senator Joseph Victor Ejercito, head of the Committee on Local Government, stressed the critical role of peace in fostering economic growth, development, and stability in Mindanao. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives suggested rescheduling the elections to May 11, 2026, through House Bill No. 11144. The Supreme Court’s ruling to exclude Sulu from BARMM has resulted in seven vacant seats in the Bangsamoro Parliament, potentially disenfranchising thousands of Sulu voters, as noted by Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri. The Senate has concluded its discussions on the bill to postpone the BARMM elections and must pass it before its session ends on February 7. If the Senate agrees to the committee’s proposal, a bicameral conference will be needed to align the differing provisions between the Senate and House bills.