MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has formally acknowledged the newly formed 46-member majority coalition in the Bangsamoro Parliament, assuring that the national administration will fully respect the region’s autonomy.
In an official statement released on social media on Wednesday, October 14, President Marcos recognized the coalition’s organization and its process for establishing the upcoming Government of the Day.
“We respect Parliament’s authority to determine its leadership in accordance with the Bangsamoro Organic Law,” he said.
The Chief Executive congratulated the newly elected members, highlighting the September 14 polls as a significant milestone toward achieving enduring peace and self-governance in the region.
He noted that the smooth execution of the area’s inaugural regular parliamentary elections demonstrates a positive step forward for democracy in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Emphasizing the core principles of the ongoing peace process, Marcos reiterated the importance of respecting the Bangsamoro population’s aspirations for genuine self-determination.
“We look forward to working with the government formally constituted by Parliament in support of peace, stability, and inclusive development,” Marcos added, pledging sustained collaboration from the national government.
The official proclamation of the parliament’s inaugural elected members took place on September 16. Commission on Elections data from the Regional Board of Canvassers recorded an 84.34 percent voter turnout, with 2,018,478 citizens casting their votes.
Party distribution results from the polls show the Bangsamoro Federalist Party securing 16 regional party seats and 15 district seats. Meanwhile, the United Bangsamoro Justice Party captured 15 party seats and nine district seats, the BARMM Grand Coalition claimed eight, and the Raayat Democratic Party won one.
Additional district representation includes six seats for Serbisyong Inklusibo Alyansang Progresibo, alongside one seat each for the Progresibong Bangsamoro Party and Al Ittihad-UKB.