Comelec Applauds Urgent Certification of Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election Date Legislation
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has officially welcomed the decision from Malacañang to certify as urgent the proposed legislation that establishes a new date for the inaugural Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE). This development occurred on Saturday, March 7, 2026, marking a significant step forward in the electoral timeline for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Time Constraints Drive Urgency for Legislative Action
In a detailed phone interview, Comelec Chairman George Garcia expressed strong support for the certification, emphasizing that it will facilitate the timely passage of the measure. The bill specifically sets the new BPE date for the second Monday of September 2026. Garcia highlighted the pressing nature of the situation, stating, "Time is running out. We need this law to be passed immediately." He explained that the Commission requires adequate time to conduct comprehensive preparations for the regional polls, which are crucial for the democratic process in BARMM.
Extensive Voter Education and Preparations Required
Chairman Garcia further elaborated on the necessity of the urgent certification by pointing out the need for extensive information dissemination to voters in the region. "There is still a need for an extensive information dissemination to our voters in the region," he noted. This underscores the importance of ensuring that all eligible voters are well-informed about the parliamentary elections, which represent a historic milestone in the Bangsamoro region's political landscape.
Legislative Progress on Bangsamoro Election Bills
The legislative process has seen notable advancements in recent days. On Monday, the Senate approved Senate Bill 1823 on its third and final reading, which fixes the first BPE to the second Monday of September 2026. Similarly, the House of Representatives passed House Bill 8220 on second reading just last Tuesday, proposing an identical date for the elections. It is important to note that the BPE bill has been identified as one of the priority measures by the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac), reflecting its significance in national policy and regional development.
The combined efforts of the executive and legislative branches, along with Comelec's proactive stance, aim to ensure a smooth and timely execution of the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections, fostering greater political participation and stability in the region.
