NEWS
29January
House of Representatives
Changes in BARMM’S Electoral Code could push back polls-LENTE
- Jan 29, 2026
- Al Iskandar, Luwaran
- HITS: 500
The parliament’s committee on amendments, revision, and codification of laws seeks to amend BARMM’s 2023 election code, and approved on Thursday, January 22, Rappler.com report said, Friday, January 23.,
Once passed, it would lower membership and vote thresholds for BARMM’s political parties to win seats, allowing smaller groups to gain representation.
The proposal also includes provisions to safeguard women’s representation through a “zipper system,” which alternates male and female party nominees, and sets clearer rules for certifying and electing sectoral representatives.
LENTE said the bill contains a provision allowing sectoral representatives from women, youth, and settler communities to be elected directly in the first BARMM elections.
But the watchdog expressed concern that without a verified voter list for these groups, holding elections immediately could disenfranchise voters.
LENTE said that They fully support the provisions for lower membership and threshold. However, we maintain that there should be a gradual increase in these requirements in subsequent electoral cycles,” the group added. “The Bangsamoro people have waited long enough to exercise their right to choose their leaders.”
Meanwhile, a group of about 1,000 women held a rally, Monday, January 26 in front of the BARMM’s Regional Government Center in Cotabato City to oppose the BTA Bill No. 419.
Time in Cotabato
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