Marcos signs law resetting BARMM elections

MANILA, Philippines —  President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday signed into law a measure resetting the first regular elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to the second Monday of September 2026.

Republic Act No. 12317 states that, “to synchronize the BARMM parliamentary elections with the national and local polls, the regular elections for the Bangsamoro Government shall be held on the second Monday of May 2031 and every three years thereafter.”

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The law states that the Bangsamoro Transition Authority will remain the region’s interim government during the extended transition period, unless its members are replaced by Marcos.

Meanwhile, the automated election system used in the May 2025 national and local elections will also be employed for the first BARMM polls.

“There shall be a new period for the filing of certificates of candidacy for parliamentary district representatives and the list of nominees and certificates of acceptance of nomination with affidavits of non-affinity by fully accredited political parties or coalitions thereof: Provided, That those filed from 4 to 9 November 2024 must be refiled within the new period set,” RA 12317 states.

The law adds that once candidates are filed, they cannot be replaced except in cases of death or disqualification.

The term of office for officials elected in the BARMM parliamentary elections will begin at noon on October 30, 2026, and end on June 30, 2031. Starting in 2031, elected officials will assume office at noon on June 30 following their election. /mcm