Marcos signs law resetting BARMM elections to September

2026-03-26 - 02:00

MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law a measure resetting the first parliamentary election of the Bangsamoro Autonomy Region of Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to the second Monday of September this year. The signing of Republic Act No. 12317, which amends the Bangsamoro Organic Law, comes after delays in the holding of the elections after Sulu’s exclusion from BARMM and the Supreme Court ruling that the districting laws are unconstitutional. The Commission on Elections will promulgate the rules for the conduct of the polls, employing the automated election system. There will be a new period for the filing of candidacies. Candidates for district seats and representatives of political parties must refile again. Elected officials in the September polls will assume office on October 30, 2026 until June 30, 2031. The election is a crucial part of the political track in the peace agreement with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. The RA 12317 was signed on March 25, two days before the 12th anniversary of the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro. – Rappler.com