Comelec Issues Guidelines for Substitute Candidates in Upcoming Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has released specific regulations governing the acceptance of substitute candidates for the forthcoming September 2026 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE). According to Resolution No. 11216, substitutions will only be permitted under two circumstances: the death or disqualification of original aspirants for District Representatives.
Substitution Rules and Filing Deadlines
"The substitute of an aspirant, who died or was disqualified for any cause, may file a Certificate of Candidacy (COC) for the office affected on or before May 27, 2026," stated the Comelec resolution. This deadline ensures that substitute names can be included on official ballots. Comelec Chairman George Garcia provided additional clarification regarding withdrawals during a phone interview.
"That is allowed during the said period since it is technically a filing of a COC," Garcia affirmed, noting that substitution due to withdrawal is permissible but only within the official COC filing window. The Comelec previously established the COC filing period for District Representatives from May 5 to 7, 2026. Importantly, no individual is eligible to run for District Representative without submitting a COC.
BTA Members Allowed to Run Without Resignation
In a significant development, the poll body announced that members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) are permitted to participate in the BPE without being required to resign from their current positions. "The incumbent appointed members of the BTA, whose positions are elective by nature, are not deemed ipso facto resigned," declared the Comelec.
The Commission further elaborated that BTA members serving in executive roles, such as Cabinet positions, will also retain their posts despite candidacy filings. This policy allows for continuity in governance during the election period.
Candidate List Preparation and Publication
Following the COC filing deadline, Receiving Offices are mandated to compile a comprehensive list of candidates for District Representatives in the Bangsamoro Parliament. "They shall be delivered to the Comelec - Law Department not later than May 8, 2026," specified the Commission.
A tentative candidate list is scheduled for publication on the Comelec website by May 13, 2026, to facilitate verification of names appearing on official ballots. The inaugural Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections will see the election of 32 District Representatives, marking a pivotal moment in the region's political landscape.
