Malacañang on Thursday said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. remains supportive of holding the first-ever elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), but will not allow the polls to proceed if they violate existing laws.
At a press briefing, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President respects the Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC) decision to postpone the BARMM elections due to legal and operational limitations.
She explained that the poll body cited insufficient preparation time and incomplete documentary requirements.
“Lumalabas na medyo kulang ang panahon sa paghahanda at may mga papel na dapat pang mapirmahan,” Castro said.
She added that the President understands the risks of pushing through with the elections without full legal compliance.
“Gustong-gusto po talaga ng Pangulo na matuloy ang election, pero kung may time constraints at hindi ito maipapatupad dahil makakalabag sa batas, hindi naman po nanaisin ng Pangulo na ituloy ang election,” she said.
COMELEC earlier announced the postponement of the BARMM elections originally set for March 30, citing lack of time to adequately prepare for the process.
Despite this, Castro said Marcos still hopes the elections will eventually push through and may discuss the matter with COMELEC Chairperson George Erwin Garcia.
“Wala pa pong ipinapaabot sa atin kung sila ay nagkausap, pero sa ating pagkakaalam ay maaari pong magkaroon ng diskusyon patungkol dito,” she said.