The measure that seeks to postpone the elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will help the region adjust with the allocation of seats in the BARMM Parliament after the exclusion of Sulu in the region, Speaker Martin Romualdez said.
“This postponement is not a delay in progress but rather a necessary step to ensure that the foundations we are building for BARMM are solid and capable of supporting a sustainable autonomous government,” Romualdez said in a statement on Thursday.
His statement comes as the House of Representatives passed on third and final reading on Tuesday House Bill 11144 that aims to postpone the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao until 2026.
It would also give the government ample time to sort out issues surrounding the voting in the region, including possible unequal representation in the Bangsamoro region if the voting pushes through in 2025 as raised by BARMM stakeholders.
The bill passed with 198 votes for and four against, with no abstentions.
Basilan Gov. Jim Hataman Salliman, Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr., Maguindanao del Norte Gov. Abdulraof Macacua, and Tawi-Tawi Gov. Yshmael Sali earlier issued statements backing the postponement of the Barmm elections.
“This purposeful resetting is intended to ensure that the electoral process is conducted with integrity and safeguards the fundamental right of suffrage by creating the conditions indispensable for its meaningful exercise,” the four governors said.
Other local officials in the region have also shown their support for the postponement of the said election, as it would provide an opportunity to consolidate the stability achieved through the BARMM peace process.
The Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity led by Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. also expressed his support for the postponement of the BARMM elections.
“The election reset will allow us to give considerable focus to these socioeconomic programs rather than a divided concentration on the election that may compromise our ongoing efforts,” Galvez said.
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