NEWS
23May
UBJP gears up for BARMM elections in October
- May 23, 2025
- Taher G. Solaiman
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In a press briefing on Friday, Macacua acknowledged the UBJP will face the BARMM Grand Coalition (BGC) in the upcoming elections. While noting recent UBJP victories in Maguindanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Tawi-Tawi, and Cotabato City during the May 12, 2025 elections, Macacua stressed that the UBJP isn't taking the opposition lightly.
"Small and large groups pose a threat to the party because you can’t see the depth of that threat. However, from what I see, although there’s still a slight threat, it’s no longer very significant," Macacua said.
The BGC comprises prominent figures including Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan, Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Alonto Adiong Jr., former Maguindanao del Sur gubernatorial candidates Bai Mariam Sangki-Mangudadatu and Suharto “Teng” Mangudadatu, and Basilan Congressman Mujiv Hataman.
Bai Mariam and Suharto Mangudadatu, who ran for Governor in Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte, respectively, were unsuccessful in their bids.
Governor Tan had previously announced his desire to become the next BARMM Chief Minister. However, the Supreme Court, while dismissing petitions challenging the constitutionality of the BARMM, ruled to exclude Sulu from the region due to its negative vote in the 2019 plebiscite. This decision followed a 2018 petition filed by Governor Tan's son, Abdusakur Tan II, pre-dating his father's Chief Minister ambitions.
The upcoming elections represent a pivotal moment for the Bangsamoro region. The UBJP's preparations, along with the challenges posed by the BGC, underscore the significant political landscape within the region as it navigates the transition to full autonomy. The outcome of the October elections will significantly shape the political trajectory of the BARMM in the coming years.
The UBJP is the political arm of the MILF, embodying its shift from armed revolution to a parliamentary and democratic path to achieve self-determination and good governance for the Bangsamoro people.
Time in Cotabato
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