Comelec Announces Full Funding Secured for Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has confirmed that it will receive complete financial backing for the upcoming Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE), once a schedule is established by Congress. This development comes after previous delays and funding uncertainties that impacted the electoral process.
Congress Restores P2.5 Billion Budget for Electoral Activities
In a recent statement, Comelec Chairman George Garcia revealed that Congress has fully reinstated the P2.5 billion budget necessary to conduct the BPE. He emphasized that this funding was returned through the General Appropriations Act for 2026, with support from both legislative and executive branches. "It was returned to us in full by our Congress, by our President through the General Appropriations Act for 2026," Garcia stated, highlighting the collaborative effort to ensure electoral readiness.
Previous Expenditures and Election Postponements
The Comelec had already allocated P1.2 billion for preparatory activities related to the BPE, but these efforts were rendered moot due to multiple postponements. Garcia noted that the elections failed to proceed on two scheduled dates: October 13, 2025, and March 30, 2026. "Initially we have already spent P1.2 billion because of our preparations for the BPE... All those are now irrelevant," he explained, underscoring the financial and logistical challenges faced.
The October 2025 election was halted after the Supreme Court declared the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act 58 and 77 unconstitutional, removing the legal foundation for the parliamentary polls. More recently, the March 2026 election was postponed by Comelec, citing legal and operational impossibilities. These issues stemmed from the proximity to Election Day and delays in passing the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) districting law by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.
Implications for Future Electoral Planning
With full funding now secured, Comelec is poised to move forward with the BPE once Congress sets a new date. This restoration of budget aims to address past setbacks and ensure a smooth electoral process in the Bangsamoro region. The commission's ability to adapt to legal rulings and legislative timelines will be crucial in executing these parliamentary elections effectively.
