Comelec Urges Swift Passage of Bangsamoro Election Law Before March End
MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has expressed strong hopes that the new legislation establishing the date for the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) will be enacted into law by the conclusion of March 2026. In a recent interview conducted at the sidelines of the 2026 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections Stakeholders Briefing, Comelec Chairman George Garcia emphasized the critical need for this law to be signed by President Bongbong Marcos Jr. before April 2026.
Urgent Need for Legislative Action
Chairman Garcia stated, "We are waiting for Congress to elevate this to the President for signing. It is not yet a law—it is still a proposal. Hopefully, it becomes a law before March ends." He further highlighted the urgency of the situation, noting that without the law, there is no definitive date to work with for the upcoming elections. "A law is really needed. Without it, we have no date to work with. The President has certified this as urgent," Garcia added, underscoring the importance of timely legislative action.
Preparations Hinge on Fixed Date
The poll chief explained that the Comelec requires the law as soon as possible to ensure adequate preparation time for the first-ever parliamentary polls in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). "The date really needs to be fixed because we are following a specific timetable and timeline. We only have five months left before September 14," Garcia remarked, pointing to the tight schedule leading up to the proposed election date.
Congressional Progress and Proposed Timeline
Both Houses of Congress have already ratified the bicameral conference committee report on the bill that sets a new date for the inaugural parliamentary elections in the BARMM. Under the proposed legislation, the first-ever Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections are currently targeted for September 14, 2026. This milestone event marks a significant step in the region's political development, and the Comelec is actively working to ensure all preparations align with this timeline.
The Commission on Elections continues to monitor the legislative process closely, advocating for the swift passage of the law to facilitate a smooth and organized electoral process in the Bangsamoro region.
