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Photo cortesy of Abdulraof "Sammy Gambar" A. Macacua FB
Bangsamoro Parliament elects Yacob as new Speaker
- Oct 22, 2025
- Taher G. Solaiman
- HITS: 663
Yacob, a prominent senior leader of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), was the sole nominee for the speakership during the plenary session, which was attended by Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua. The reorganization comes after the death of Speaker Balindong on October 2.
A seasoned member of the Parliament since 2019, Yacob was initially appointed to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) by then-President Rodrigo Duterte and was reappointed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in 2022.
Prior to his election, he served as the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Agrarian Reform (MAFAR) and previously headed the Bangsamoro Development Agency (BDA) for nine years, where he oversaw crucial development programs across the region.
Yacob is a highly educated official, holding a degree in Shari’ah Law from the International Islamic University in Madinah, Saudi Arabia, a master’s degree in public administration, and a doctorate in philosophy from Cotabato State University.
In his acceptance speech, Yacob stressed the importance of the legislature’s role, vowing to strengthen transparency and uphold principled governance to ensure the Parliament remains true to its mandate of serving the Bangsamoro people.
He also announced his plan to immediately convene Parliament officers to prioritize bills for the upcoming sessions, specifically mentioning the critical redistricting bill.
Macacua lauded the election, describing the speakership as "a sacred trust — a role that serves as the vessel through which the collective will of the Parliament is tempered with justice, humility, and wisdom.”
The plenary session also saw the election of other key officials:
John Anthony “Jet” Lim was elected as the new Floor Leader, replacing Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba. Lim, a lawyer and former deputy speaker who served as a board member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Tawi-Tawi, will now chair the influential Committee on Rules.
Sha Elijah Dumama-Alba was elected as one of the new Deputy Speakers, along with Jose Lorena.
Amer Zakaria Rakim was chosen as the new Deputy Floor Leader.
All newly elected officers took their oath of office before the Bangsamoro Wali, Sheikh Muslim Guiamaden.
The new leadership team is now expected to guide the legislature as it moves to advance key measures and reforms for the Bangsamoro region.
Time in Cotabato
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