Comelec backs resetting of Bangsamoro polls to September
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) expressed support for the proposal in Congress to move the holding of the first-ever Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) to September.
“Although the Comelec does not have a say in the fixing of the date of elections, what is important to us is that the Bangsamoro parliamentary election will push through this year,” Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said in a statement on Friday.
The poll body noted that it is busy preparing for the May 2028 national and local elections (NLE).
“Next year is our preparatory year for the 2028 NLE hence, crucial that we should be focused on this. We support any initiative of Congress on this,” he added.
Asked if they have time to prepare in case the measure is approved, Garcia said, “Yes, but I hope it becomes clear before that date if there are other laws that Parliament will pass that will affect our preparation.”
On Thursday, Lanao del Sur First District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong and Lanao del Sur 2nd District Rep. Yasser Alonto Balindong pushed for the election in the Bangsamoro Region to be moved to Sept. 28.
READ: Mindanao solons seek to reset BARMM polls to Sept. 2026
Under House Bill No. 7236, Bangsamoro Transition Authority will continue to serve as the interim government until the new elected officials assume their posts on Dec. 1.
The poll body has set the BPE on March 30, upon the orders of the Supreme Court.
