Lawyer pushes BARMM elections

MANILA, Philippines — A Muslim lawyer and head of the Moro Ako Party urged the government to hold the region’s first Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections next year as scheduled in accordance with the law.

“This is clearly stipulated in the BARMM law—the first-ever BARMM Parliamentary elections must be held on May 12, 2025,” said Moro Ako Party president lawyer Najeeb Taib, adding that the law does not allow any postponement or delay.

READ: What to know about first-ever Bangsamoro Parliament elections

Taib also noted that the Bangsamoro Transition Authority was given six years to complete the transition from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao to BARMM and that this timeline is now due.

READ: Marcos on calls to suspend BARMM polls: It is being studied

“The Bangsamoro people have professionals across sectors who are capable of governing if given the opportunity,” he added. Taib’s party is fielding 27 candidates in next year’s elections.

The filing of candidacies came as 16 regional political parties competed for 80 seats in the BARMM parliament. The 2025 elections are a critical milestone in the region’s development.