The Bangsamoro government has welcomed the approval of Congress to postpone the first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections to October 13, 2025 from May 12, 2025.

In a statement, the Bangsamoro government said “the legislative measure, which was certified urged by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. reflects the necessity of ensuring a smooth and well-prepared transition before the region holds its first parliamentary elections.”

“The resetting of the elections is a necessary step to fully implement the remaining aspects of the transition plan, including key governance reforms and the institutionalization of structures mandated by the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL) and the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB),” the Bangsamoro government said.

“In addition, this measure will provide ample time to address legal and security concerns that directly impact the integrity and inclusivity of the electoral process. Among these is the exclusion of the Province of Sulu from the BARMM, which has profound implications for the region’s territorial jurisdiction, governance, and representation,” it added.

According to a report by GMA News Online, the bicameral conference committee on Tuesday finalized the bill moving the first BARMM parliamentary elections to October 13, 2025.

During the bicameral meeting, Senate President Francis Escudero said the Senate adopted the provisions in the House version that clarified that the polls will be automated and that the BARMM government is allowed to spend for Sulu despite the latter's exclusion from the region.