Peace adviser lauds Senate passage of bill resetting BARMM polls

COTABATO CITY – Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. lauded the Senate, headed by Senate President Vicente “Tito” Sotto III, for the approval of the bill resetting the first regular elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to September this year.

READ: Senate approves bill resetting BARMM elections to Sept. 2026

Voting 21-0, the senators approved on third and final reading Senate Bill 1823, which seeks to reset the first regular elections in BARMM from March to September this year.

“Hopefully, the bill can also be passed in the House of Representatives on third reading so that eventually it can be enacted into law. Doing so will reassure our kababayans in BARMM that finally there will be an election this year,” Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, who is also the bill’s author, said.

Under the measure, the first regular election for the Bangsamoro Government shall be held on the second Monday of September 2026.

The elected officials in the first BARMM Parliamentary Election shall assume office at noon on the 30th day of October 2026 and end at noon on the 11th day of June 2031.

READ: BARMM polls pushed as Congress priority

Galvez expressed appreciation for Zubiris’ unwavering commitment to the Bangsamoro peace process.

“Zubiri’s leadership in ensuring that the transition remains on track is a testament to our shared vision of a stable and flourishing BARMM,” Galvez said in a statement.

“The resetting of the elections is a strategic move to ensure that the transition process is inclusive, legally sound, and fully prepared for the historic exercise of democracy,” Galvez said.

“With the bill’s approval, we are providing the necessary time to resolve crucial voter registration requirements and other preparations, ensuring that no Bangsamoro voice is left behind,” the Palace peace adviser said.

Bangsamoro Member of Parliament Naguib Sinarimbo also lauded Zubiri and the Senate for acting in time by passing the bill on final reading.

“This is an important development for BARMM so that there is a clear direction for democracy in our region,” Sinarimbo said in Filipino.

Sinarimbo said he will voluntarily extend assistance to Zubiri to ensure the BARMM electorate can exercise their rights of suffrage in electing regional leaders and representatives to the Bangsamoro Parliament./coa