Manila, Philippines – The Senate of the Philippines approved on its third and final reading on Monday the bill seeking the reset of the first-ever Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections in September 2026.
Senate Bill No. 1823 pushes for the rescheduling of the 1st BPE on the second Monday of September 2026, in this case, September 14.
This bill seeks amendment on some provisions under the Organic Law for the BARMM originally setting its first regular elections simultaneous with the 2022 National and Local Elections.
This supposed schedule was postponed citing legal and administrative issues, and was once again reset following the Supreme Court’s ruling excluding Sulu as BARMM member, and unconstitutionalizing two districting laws.
The SC ruling mandated the Commission on Elections to continue the preparations and hold the elections not later than March 31, 2026.
However, with 21 yes and no opposition and abstention, the Senate approved the bill resetting the BPE date in a much later month.
The bill stated that the term office of those that will be elected will start by noon of October 30 and will end June 11, 2031.
Starting 2031, BARMM elections shall be held three years after.
Under the bill, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority will remain as the interim government in the region.
For Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, author of the bill, the approval of this bill is a step forward in ensuring that the BARMM residents will be able to practice their right to vote for their leaders towards regional peace.
Senator Joel Villanueva also expressed support in the reset of the polls, as this allows more time and preparation for the elections.
Meanwhile, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) also supported the passing of the bill as it allows a smoother transition process in BARMM towards peace and democracy.
The Senate expressed hope that the House of Representatives will approve its version of the bill.