Comelec to continue preps for BARMM elections

MANILA — The Commission on Elections on Tuesday said it is pushing through with its preparations for the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections in October 2025, even as Bangsamoro authorities have yet to resolve the reallocation of seven seats originally allocated to Sulu, after the province rejected the Bangsamoro Organic Law in the 2019 plebiscite.

Comelec Spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco, in a televised briefing, said the poll body can no longer wait for the decision of the Bangsamoro Parliament to resolve the issue, noting that they had given them ample time to reallocate the seats for Sulu.

“Hindi na makapaghihintay ang Comelec. Una, kailangan na naming idisenyo ang balota, malinaw na dapat sinimulan na natin ang pagsasaayos ng ating software,” the poll official said, noting that they have to adhere to the strict timeline of preparations.

No more postponement for Bangsamoro parliamentary elections: Comelec

“Kung titignan nyo po, meron na lamang kaming natitira na iilang buwan na lamang, samantala ang normal na paghahanda ay tumatagal ng anim na buwan hanggang isang taon, ngunit sa natitirang taon namin, kailangang tapusin lahat ng requirements nito.”

Poll body chief George Garcia earlier appealed to Bangsamoro Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua that they resolve the reallocation of seven seats originally allocated to Sulu on May 30.

Comelec earlier assured the public that it would follow Bangsamoro’s election code.

BARMM, created as part of the peace agreement between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, has an appointed transitional government and is set to hold parliamentary elections this October 13.

Based on BARMM’s calendar of activities posted by the Comelec, the election period would be from August 14 to October 18, while the campaign period would be slated from August 28 to October 11.

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