House OKs on second reading bill postponing BARMM elections

The House of Representatives on Monday approved on second reading the measure which seeks to postpone and reset the first regular elections of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

In a voice vote, House Bill 10121 was approved in the lower chamber, as amended, aiming to postpone the first regular elections in BARMM from 2022 to 2025, "to allow them to attend to more urgent needs of the Bangsamoro people."

The proposed measure also aims to provide more time to strengthen its foundations for a stronger regional government and economy.

Under the measure, the Commission on Elections, through the Bangsamoro Electoral Office, shall promulgate rules and regulations for the conduct of the elections, enforce and administer them pursuant to national laws, the Organic Law for the BARMM, and the Bangsamoro Election Code.

It was stated that upon the expiration of the terms of the incumbent members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, the President shall appoint 80 members of the said BTA who shall serve up to June 30, 2025 or until their successors would be elected.

On the part of the Senate, the bill seeking to reset the BARMM elections was already approved on third and final reading last September 6. 

Senate Bill 2214 proposes to move the date of the BARMM elections from May 2022 to May 2025, synchronized with the national elections.

The BTA is supposed to oversee the BARMM until the May 2022 regional polls, which would be held simultaneously with the 2022 national and local elections.

Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr. had previously expressed support for the extension of the transition period of the BARMM, noting the COVID-19 pandemic as a major factor. — BM, GMA News