BTA to continue as governing body of BARMM amid poll suspension — OP

The Office of the President on Thursday said the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) would continue to serve as the legitimate governing body of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao amid the suspension of the BARMM polls.

According to the OP, this came following the Supreme Court’s decision postponing the October 13, 2025 elections to a date not later than March 31, 2026.

As stated in Republic Act No. 12123, the BTA shall continue to exercise full powers and authority during the extended transition period until new officials are duly elected or appointed, since no polls took place.

Further, the authority to make changes in the composition of the BTA during the transition remains with the Office of the President, as indicated under the law.

No formal reappointment is necessary as current members continue to hold office by operation of law until replaced or succeeded, the OP said.

This will ensure the continuity of governance, legal stability, and an orderly transition in the Bangsamoro, consistent with the Bangsamoro Organic Law, Republic Act No. 12123, and the Supreme Court’s ruling in Ali v. COMELEC.

Meanwhile, the OP maintained its commitment to peace, self-governance, and inclusive development in the region.

The SC had ordered the postponement of the Bangsamoro elections originally slated on October 13 and declared as unconstitutional the Bangsamoro Autonomy Acts (BAAs) 58 and 77, the two districting laws by the autonomous government. — Anna Felicia Bajo/RSJ, GMA Integrated News