NEWS
11September
This file photo shows the executive building of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The STAR / John Unson
Bangsamoro polls to proceed – Comelec
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has no plans to postpone the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao following a Supreme Court ruling excluding Sulu from BARMM.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia admitted he was surprised by the ruling, but gave assurance that the poll body would make necessary adjustments.
“At this point, we will proceed with the elections in Bangsamoro. We don’t want to be uncertain not only for the candidates, but also for everyone who are waiting for developments due to the Supreme Court (SC) ruling,” Garcia said yesterday.
He said the SC ruling gave the Comelec a major problem as all preparations for the Bangsamoro elections in May next year included Sulu.
Garcia said the decision of the high court has numerous implications and the Comelec must take immediate action on the matter.
He said the Comelec would discuss plans and actions today.
“But again, at this point, we are not thinking of postponing or resetting the Bangsamoro elections,” he said.
Garcia said the poll body intended to file a motion for reconsideration before the SC, but the decision is “immediately executory” and the removal of Sulu from BARMM is already enforceable.
The exclusion of Sulu means reducing the number of positions to be contested in the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections.
Garcia advised aspirants in the BARMM elections to push through with their plans.
“Don’t ever think that the elections will not push through,” he told aspiring BARMM poll candidates.
Time in Cotabato
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