Chiz: Senators’ opinions on proposed BARMM polls postponement will be heard

Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero on Wednesday allayed the concerns of some lawmakers regarding the proposal to postpone the first elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), saying that their opinions on the matter will be put into consideration. 

“Those who are in favor and those who oppose it will all be heard and their positions and opinions considered. And in the end, it will be put to a vote. That is what a democracy is all about.” said Escudero. 

“It’s a one-page bill that simply seeks [to] postpone the date of the elections by a year. The reasons behind its filing are stated in the explanatory note,” he added. 

Escudero earlier filed Senate Bill 2862 seeking to defer the BARMM polls from May 12, 2025 to May 11, 2026, reiterated that it was the Malacañang that asked him to do so for the Senate to deliberate. 

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino "Koko" Pimentel III and Senate electoral reforms committee chairperson Imee Marcos both opposed the move. 

In filing the bill, Escudero cited the recent Supreme Court ruling which declares the exclusion of Sulu from the Bangsamoro region and the Bangsamoro Transitional Authority Parliament's request for Congress to pass a law forming a new province to be known as Kutawato which will be composed of eight newly-formed municipalities.

The Senate President explained that the creation of a new province needs the creation of legislative districts. Should Congress fail to pass laws to create such, the Senate president said it may result in the disenfranchisement of voters in the eight new municipalities.

Pimentel, however, said that the BARMM elections must already push through.

Imee Marcos also said that it is time for the BARMM residents to elect the leaders that they want.

"Opposed talaga ako dyan. Kasi kinakailangan marinig na ang boses ng taumbayan. Importanteng marinig ang ating mga kapatid na muslim at hayaan na sila bumoto sa mga kandidatong tunay na gusto nila,” she said.

—VAL, GMA Integrated News