COTABATO CITY — Key officials in the Bangsamoro region expressed support and optimism following the signing of Republic Act No. 12317 by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., which resets the historic parliamentary elections here to September 2026.
The new law amends provisions of the Bangsamoro Organic Law and sets the first regular Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao elections on the second Monday of September 2026, with subsequent elections to be synchronized with national and local polls starting in May 2031.
Maguindanao congressman Esmael “Toto” Mangudadatu described the recent development as timely, emphasizing the need for both candidates and voters to prepare for the historic exercise.
“There is still time for candidates to prepare and for people, especially the youth who have just become eligible, to register before the September deadline,” Mangudadatu said.
He also called the law a significant opportunity for the Bangsamoro people to choose capable leaders.
“For us Muslims, this is like a blessing from the President. This election will allow us to select leaders who can uplift our region and deliver the right services to our constituents,” he added.
Mangudadatu further expressed hope that the elections would remain peaceful and focused on public welfare.
“We hope the elections will be peaceful and that all elected officials will remain committed to serving the people.”
Meanwhile, Acting Senior Minister Abdullah M. Cusain assured that preparations are already underway to ensure credible and orderly polls.
“The Office of the Chief Minister will ensure that the process will be credible, peaceful, transparent, and with integrity,” Cusain said.
He noted that groundwork has continued despite previous postponements.
“Our preparations have been continuous. Even when the election was rescheduled, we maintained coordination with the Commission on Elections, especially at the regional level,” he explained.
For his part, Mohajirin Ali, MNSA spokesperson of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party and MILF information officer, said the move aligns with long-standing calls for the conduct of BARMM elections.
“This is something we have been pushing for since last year. We were ready when elections were initially set, even when they were moved to October,” Ali said.
Despite multiple postponements, he said the latest schedule provides renewed momentum.
“Now that it is set for September, this is a positive development. The momentum in preparations will resume,” he added.
Ali stressed that the elections are crucial in strengthening governance in the region.
“Elections will provide answers and solutions to the challenges we face in BARMM because a mandate coming directly from the people gives authority to lead the government,” he said. Officials across BARMM underscored that the rescheduled elections mark a critical step in the region’s democratic transition, expressing hope that the process will pave the way for stronger governance, inclusive leadership, and lasting peace.
