2 MPs back deferral of BARMM polls to 2026

Two members of the Bangsamoro Parliament on Monday expressed support for the proposed postponement of the first-ever parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

In a statement, Amr Mawallil said Sulu’s exclusion from the BARMM affects the distribution of parliamentary seats.

"The exclusion of Sulu from the BARMM necessitates a reconfiguration of parliamentary representation in the Bangsamoro," Mawallil said.

"Sulu’s seven seats must now be reallocated, and this cannot be addressed adequately without careful legislative redistricting,” he added.

Earlier this month, Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero filed a bill seeking to postpone the first regular BARMM elections.

This came after the Bangsamoro Government asked the Supreme Court to re-include the province of Sulu in the Bangsamoro Region. 

In September, the Supreme Court upheld the validity of the Bangsamoro Organic Law, but also declared Sulu is no longer part of the region.

In the same statement, MP Rasol Mitmug Jr. said the parliament needs to revisit its district and seat allocations to ensure “Bangsamoro people are truly represented,” especially with the pending Supreme Court decision on Sulu.

"The current setup must be adjusted, and extending the electoral timeline to 2026 allows us the time needed to address this with precision," Mitmug said.

The two Bangsamoro parliament members said redistricting efforts will ensure fair representation for BARMM provinces.

"Every province and constituency in BARMM deserves an equal voice in the Parliament. Redistricting will allow us to respect the new political boundaries established by the Supreme Court’s decision, giving other areas the representation they deserve," Mawallil said.

Earlier today, Senator Grace Poe said the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) has yet to finalize its stand on the proposed postponement of BARMM elections.  

"BARMM government employees in Sulu are going through a period of transition, and we need to provide them with the time and support they deserve. Resetting the elections to 2026 will ease their adjustment to this new reality,” Mitmug said.

Mawallil also shared the same sentiment, saying that postponing the BARMM elections will give Sulu officials the “opportunity to ensure a smooth shift that maintains service continuity.”—Mariel Celine Serquiña/RF, GMA Integrated News