House Speaker Martin Romualdez has filed a proposal in the House of Representatives to postpone the May 2025 elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Under the proposal, the BARMM elections would be moved to May 2026.
In the Senate, a similar proposal has been submitted by Senator Chiz Escudero.
Romualdez explained that the postponement of the BARMM election is intended to better prepare for the election process.
“This postponement is not a delay in progress, but rather a necessary step to ensure that the foundations we are building for BARMM are solid and capable of supporting a sustainable autonomous government,” he said.
“This law is a testament to Congress’ dedication to the success of the BARMM, providing leaders with the time they need to complete this transition thoughtfully, inclusively, and with resilience for future generations,” he added.
Romualdez mentioned that a one-year postponement of the elections in BARMM would give the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) the opportunity to prepare for a smoother electoral process.
House Bill No. 11034 states that the term of office of the current BTA members will end, and the President will appoint 80 new interim members who will serve until the new BARMM officials are elected.
Meanwhile, Basilan Rep. Mujiv Hataman strongly opposed the proposal.
Hataman emphasized that before any discussions about postponing the elections in BARMM take place, consultations with the affected residents should be conducted.
“Before we even entertain proposals to postpone the regional elections, extensive public consultations in BARMM should be undertaken to safeguard the right to suffrage of its citizens,” according to him.
He asserted that postponing the elections would impact the residents’ rights to choose their leaders.
“Is this necessary? Is this justified? Is this better for the rights of the people in Bangsamoro? What are the implications for our democracy?” Hataman explained, insisting that there is no reason to postpone the elections.
He pointed out that the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has expressed its readiness to conduct the BARMM elections in 2025, along with political and sectoral parties.
“Comelec is ready. The parties are ready. And I believe the people of the Bangsamoro region are ready for the upcoming elections,” the solon added.
Hataman also highlighted that the Supreme Court, in its decision on Macalintal vs. Comelec (GR 263590 and GR 263673) from 2023, established that elections cannot be postponed indiscriminately and can only be held under certain conditions.
“Extensive public consultations are necessary if we are to postpone the elections in 2025 in BARMM, and not just the opinions of a few resource persons invited to the halls of the Senate and House,” he also said.
“I maintain my position that the elections in BARMM should proceed next year, in accordance with the essence of our Constitution and the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). There is no true democracy when the citizens do not choose their leaders in government.”
