Palace affirms BTA remains legitimate BARMM body after SC delays polls

Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

BUSAN, South Korea — The Office of the President (OP) on Thursday affirmed that the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) will remain the legitimate governing body of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) following the Supreme Court’s decision to postpone the region’s October 13 elections.

In a statement, the OP said the BTA will retain full powers and authority until new officials are duly elected or appointed.

READ: Palace respects SC ruling on BARMM polls

“The authority to make changes in the composition of the BTA during the transition remains with the Office of the president, as provided by law. No formal reappointment is necessary, as current members continue to hold office by operation of law until replaced or succeeded,” it said.

The BTA’s authority ensures “continuity of governance, legal stability, and an orderly transition in the Bangsamoro,” in line with Republic Act (RA) No. 12123, or the Bangsamoro Organic Law, and the Supreme Court’s ruling.

Enacted in February, RA No. 12123 postponed the first BARMM parliamentary elections from May 12 to October 13.

READ: Marcos enacts law postponing BARMM elections

However, the Commission on Elections suspended preparations for the October polls following a temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the Supreme Court against the implementation of the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act 77, or the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Redistricting Act.

The TRO will remain in effect pending the court’s resolution of two cases challenging the reallocation of seven parliamentary seats originally assigned to Sulu province./mcm