THE first-ever parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) will proceed on October 13 as scheduled, despite a Supreme Court order to suspend the reallocation of seats in the province of Sulu, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia confirmed that the elections for the remaining 73 parliamentary seats would push through.
The Supreme Court issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) on September 15, directing the Comelec and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority to suspend all actions related to Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) 77.
The law sought to reallocate seven parliamentary seats from Sulu to other areas within the Barmm.
“Under the Supreme Court’s directive, the elections will proceed for the remaining 73 seats,” Garcia said, adding that the Comelec has immediately suspended all preparations related to the seven seats affected by the TRO.
The high court’s action follows a previous ruling on September 9, 2024, that excluded Sulu from the Barmm based on the results of the 2019 plebiscite.
As a result, the redistricting provisions of BAA 77 affecting Sulu cannot be implemented at this time.
In an emailed statement, Barmm Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua said the Bangsamoro Government “recognize and uphold that the Philippine Constitution vested the Comelec with the exclusive authority to enforce and administer all laws and regulations relative to the conduct of elections.”
“The Bangsamoro Government will carry out all its activities related to elections with the Comelec,” Macacua’s statement reads in part.
He added that every step the Barmm will take will be strictly guided by law.
“(Let’s) always (be) mindful of our shared commitment to democracy, justice, and the principles of self-governance as enshrined in the Bangsamoro Organic Law,” said Macacua.
Garcia pointed out that preparations for the uncontested seats, including voter registration, logistics, and personnel training, remain on track.
The Comelec has assured voters that it is committed to conducting a credible, orderly, and lawful election for the remaining seats.
The upcoming elections are a historic milestone for the Barmm, marking the first time residents will elect their own parliament under the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
The Supreme Court’s intervention, Garcia said, highlights the balance between regional autonomy and the judiciary’s constitutional oversight.
