Malacañang Calls for Expedited House Action on BARMM Elections Bill
Following the Senate's approval of Senate Bill No. 1823 on its third and final reading, Malacañang is now urging the House of Representatives to swiftly pass its counterpart measure for the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE). This bill aims to reschedule the first regular elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) from March to September 2026.
Presidential Directive Emphasizes Priority of BARMM Elections
Special Assistant to the President (SAP) Anton Lagdameo Jr. highlighted President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s directive to prioritize the conduct of elections in BARMM and ensure their prompt implementation. According to Lagdameo, the President views the inaugural BPE as a historic and crucial step in completing the political transition of the Bangsamoro region.
He emphasized that establishing an elected parliament will strengthen the democratic autonomy of the area. "The first BARMM parliamentary elections will be a historic moment not just for the region but for the entire nation. It is an opportunity for the Bangsamoro to shape their parliament directly and to prove that democracy here is strong," Lagdameo stated, reiterating the President's earlier remarks.
Legislative and Executive Coordination for Timely Implementation
Lagdameo added that the bill is among the administration's priorities discussed during the Legislative-Executive Development Advisory Council (LEDAC) meeting. The President has previously expressed readiness to certify the measure as urgent if necessary to ensure its timely enactment and implementation.
He insisted that the President aims to conduct the elections without delay to fully transition from the appointed interim authority to a fully elected regional parliament, in line with the peace framework outlined in the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
Senate Support and Calls for House Action
With the Senate's approval of Senate Bill No. 1823, which sets the first regular BARMM elections for the second Monday of September 2026, the Palace has called on the House to expedite passage of its own version to begin preparations. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri described the upcoming elections as a critical test of the peace process's resilience in Bangsamoro.
He asserted that long-term stability must be based on a credible and clear mandate from the people. Zubiri thanked his fellow senators for their unified support in approving the bill, calling it "one step forward to achieving peace in the Bangsamoro region." He noted that successful election implementation would signal a complete shift toward a democratically elected parliament in the region.
Importance of Immediate Action for Democratic Milestone
Malacañang maintains that immediate action by the House is essential to ensure the first regular BARMM Parliamentary Elections can be held in September 2026. President Marcos has described this as a significant milestone in the democratic history of Bangsamoro and the entire nation, underscoring its role in solidifying peace and autonomy through electoral processes.
