Photo credit: Bangsamoro Information Office

The House of Representatives has given near‑unanimous approval to a bill that resets the first regular parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to September 14, 2026, aiming to resolve legal and administrative hurdles that have delayed the region’s democratic transition.

On March 10, 2026, lawmakers adopted House Bill No. 8220 on third and final reading, with 247 in favor, none against, and only two abstentions. The measure now moves to the Senate for reconciliation with its counterpart before it can be signed into law by the President.

Why the Reset Matters

BARMM was created under the Bangsamoro Organic Law (Republic Act No. 11054) as part of the peace process between the Philippine government and Moro groups. It replaced the former Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), providing a framework for self‑governance in the region.

The first parliamentary elections were originally scheduled to coincide with the 2022 national and local polls, but legal and administrative issues forced repeated postponements. Recent Supreme Court decisions on the constitutionality of certain parliamentary districting measures—particularly concerning Sulu province—further complicated election preparations, contributing to previous delays.

By approving the election reset, Congress aims to ensure that the transition from the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA)—the interim governing body—to a fully elected Parliament has a strong legal foundation. The BTA will continue to govern until the new lawmakers assume office.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• The first regular BARMM parliamentary elections are set for the second Monday of September 2026.
• Winning candidates will take office on dates specified under the law, with subsequent elections on a three‑year cycle.
• The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is tasked with drafting and enforcing rules and procedures for the polls in accordance with the Organic Law and the Bangsamoro Electoral Code.
• The bill envisions using the automated election system piloted in the May 12, 2025 elections, though Comelec may consider alternative methods if necessary.

Supporters, including lawmakers from various political parties and Malacañang, said the reset provides election authorities and stakeholders sufficient time to prepare while safeguarding peace and stability in BARMM.

Voices on the Ground

House Majority Leader Rep. Ferdinand “Sandro” Marcos and principal sponsor Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong emphasized that a credible electoral process is essential for strengthening democracy in the Bangsamoro.

For many residents and civil society groups, the reset is also symbolic. It represents a long‑awaited opportunity for the Bangsamoro people to exercise their right to directly choose their parliamentary representatives—a key milestone in the region’s peace and transition process.

Next Steps

The Senate is expected to reconcile its version of the bill, Senate Bill No. 1823, which was unanimously approved earlier this month. Once both chambers agree on a final text and the President signs it, Comelec can proceed with detailed election planning, including precinct delineation, voter education, and logistics.

For millions of voters in BARMM, the election reset is more than a legislative adjustment—it is a meaningful step toward fuller self‑governance and political empowerment after years of transition marked by legal and administrative challenges.