The House of Representatives on Tuesday, March 10, overwhelmingly approved on third and final reading a measure resetting the first regular parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
With 247 lawmakers voting in favor, none opposing, and two abstaining, the chamber passed House Bill No. 8220, which schedules the first BARMM parliamentary elections on the second Monday of September 2026. Succeeding elections will be held every three years thereafter.
The measure was steered by House Majority Leader Sandro Marcos and Lanao del Sur 1st District Representative Zia Alonto Adiong, chair of the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms. Adiong, principal author and sponsor of the bill, emphasized its role in safeguarding the integrity of the transition period.
“This bill protects the integrity of the transition by putting the first parliamentary elections on firm legal ground, so the people of Bangsamoro can finally choose their leaders through the ballot,” Adiong said.
Marcos noted that the legislation aims to keep the peace process on track while providing election authorities sufficient time and legal basis to prepare for the landmark polls.
Synchronization and Holdover
Under the measure, BARMM elections will be synchronized beginning May 2031, with polls scheduled every three years on the second Monday of May. Officials elected during those cycles will assume office at noon on June 30.
The bill also introduces a holdover provision allowing the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to continue functioning as the interim government until successors are elected and qualified. Interim members may still be replaced by the President or vacate their posts if elected to other positions or due to legal causes.
Election System Readiness
To ensure operational preparedness, the bill mandates the use of the automated election system deployed during the May 12, 2025 national and local elections.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) may adopt alternative methods, including manual voting, if automated elections prove impracticable.
The measure now awaits Senate action and bicameral deliberations to finalize the framework for BARMM’s first parliamentary elections.