MANILA. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has officially voiced its endorsement for a legislative proposal aimed at rescheduling the inaugural Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections (BPE). This move comes as lawmakers consider adjusting the electoral timeline for the region.
Comelec Chairman Supports Congressional Initiative
In a recent phone interview, Comelec Chairman George Garcia clarified the commission's stance, emphasizing that while the poll body does not have direct authority to set election dates, it fully backs the bill introduced by Lanao del Sur First District Representative Zia Alonto Adiong. Adiong, who leads the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, filed the measure to reset the BPE to September 28, 2026.
Garcia stated, "The Comelec does not have a say in the fixing of the date of elections... nevertheless, we support any initiative of Congress on this." He highlighted that this support is rooted in the fact that the proposed BPE date would not interfere with preparations for the upcoming May 2028 national and local elections, ensuring a smooth electoral process.
Timing and Preparations for the Bangsamoro Elections
Addressing concerns about logistical readiness, Garcia affirmed that the September 2026 date provides sufficient time for Comelec to prepare, provided there are no significant legislative changes from the Bangsamoro Parliament. "What is important to us is that the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections will push through this year," he added, underscoring the commission's commitment to facilitating the historic polls.
However, Garcia expressed a note of caution, hoping for clarity on any additional laws the Bangsamoro Parliament might enact that could impact election preparations. "We just hope it would be clearer if there are any other laws that the Bangsamoro Parliament will pass that may affect our preparations," he remarked, pointing to the need for stable regulatory frameworks.
Comelec's Proactive Role in Election Scheduling
Earlier, Comelec had proactively engaged with lawmakers, requesting the passage of new legislation to reset the BPE date. The poll body even submitted a draft bill to the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, outlining potential dates for the elections. In this draft, Comelec suggested options such as late May 2026, late September 2026, or early October 2026, demonstrating its flexibility and readiness to adapt to congressional decisions.
This development marks a significant step in the electoral timeline for the Bangsamoro region, with Comelec playing a supportive role in ensuring the elections proceed as planned. The commission's backing aligns with broader efforts to uphold democratic processes in the autonomous region, fostering stability and representation for its constituents.
