By Gabriel Kim Leal
(November 22, 2024) – Pres. Bongbong Marcos Jr. on Friday said the government is still studying the proposals to postpone the inaugural elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) next year.
Marcos cited structural issues following a recent decision of the Supreme Court that removed Sulu from BARMM.
“We’re still studying it,” said Marcos. “Mayroong pitong distrito na nasa BARMM na dati galing sa Sulu. Ngayon, wala silang congressman. Wala silang probinsya. Mayrooon ding walong municipality na walang distrito at walang probinsya pero nanalo sa plebisito. So, kasama sila sa BARMM.”
He pointed out that some areas have been left in administrative limbo, which complicates preparations for the voting scheduled for May 12, 2025.
“Marami tayo na hindi nakita na naging unintended consequence ng decision ng Supreme Court. Kaya hangga’t maaari, gagawin namin na isasabay (sa national elections). Pero kung hindi kaya, mas mabuti nang maging tama kaysa sa madaliin natin tapos magkagulo lang,” added Marcos.
The Supreme Court ruled last September to uphold the Bangsamoro Organic Law, which provided for the establishment of BARMM as a political entity.
BARMM officials have appealed to Congress to delay next year’s elections to allow time for adjustments to the region’s new jurisdiction.
BARMM has 80 parliamentary seats across 32 districts, including Sulu.
Earlier this month, Senate Pres. Chiz Escudero filed a bill seeking to postpone the BARMM elections to 2026.
ALSO READ: Escudero cites Sulu exclusion in push to postpone BARMM elections to 2026
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) also warned that postponing the BARMM elections would cost the government an additional P1 billion.
“Naka-ride lang ang Bangsamoro sa national and local elections kaya ‘di gaanong kagastos. Parehas lang din ng gastos kasi parehas ang teachers,” said Comelec chairperson George Garcia.
(PM)
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