NEWS
27March
Marcos signs law resetting BARMM’s first Parliamentary elections to September 2026
- Mar 27, 2026
- Taher G. Solaiman
- HITS: 185
Republic Act No. 12317 extends the region’s transition period, allowing the interim Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to continue governing until it is replaced by the President, its members are elected to other offices, or duly elected officials take their posts.
The law also synchronizes future BARMM parliamentary elections with national and local polls, stating that regular elections will be held on the second Monday of May 2031 and every three years thereafter.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is mandated to promulgate rules and regulations for the conduct of the polls, ensuring enforcement and administration in line with national law, the Bangsamoro Organic Law, and the Bangsamoro Electoral Code.
The automated election system used in the May 2025 national and local elections will be employed for BARMM’s first parliamentary polls. The law also establishes a new period for filing certificates of candidacy for district representatives, as well as lists of nominees and certificates of acceptance with affidavits of non-affinity from accredited political parties or coalitions.
All qualified voters registered in the permanent list of precincts within BARMM cities and municipalities, based on the latest Election Registration Board hearing, will be eligible to vote.
Officials elected in the September 2026 polls will assume office at noon on October 30, 2026, and serve until June 30, 2031. Beginning with the 2031 elections, elected officials will take their posts at noon on June 30 following their election.
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