President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday signed Republic Act (RA) 12317, resetting the first regular elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to the second Monday of September 2026.
Under RA 12317, the interim Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) will continue serving as interim government in the BARMM following the extension of the transition period, “unless such interim members are replaced by the President or their tenure is shortened by their election to a different office.”
“For the purpose of synchronizing the BARMM Parliamentary Elections with the national and local elections, the regular elections for the Bangsamoro Government shall be held on the second Monday of May 2031 and every three years thereafter,” RA 12317 read.
The law mandates the Commission on Elections to promulgate rules and regulations for the conduct of the elections, enforce, and administer in accordance with the national law, Organic Law, and the Bangsamoro Electoral Code.
The interim members of the BTA will serve until their successors have been elected and qualified in an automated election, according to the new law.
The automated election system used in the May 2025 polls will be employed for the conduct of the first BARMM elections.
“This includes all machines, devices, equipment, and supplies used, as well as the service providers involved in their operation and maintenance,” the law said.
RA 12317 orders the scheduling of a new period for the filing of certificates of candidacy for parliamentary district representatives and the list of nominees and certificates of acceptance of nomination with affidavits of non-affinity by duly accredited political parties or coalitions.
Those filed from Nov. 4 to 9, 2024 must be refiled within the new period set.
All qualified voters registered in the permanent list in a precinct of the city or municipality within the BARMM based on the latest Election Registration Board hearing will be entitled to vote in the BARMM polls.
The term of office of the officials elected in the BARMM parliamentary elections will start at noon on Oct. 30, 2026 and end on June 30, 2031.
Beginning 2031, the elected officials will assume office at noon on June 30 following their election.
The funds needed to implement RA 12317 will come from the available appropriations of the Comelec.
The BARMM government may provide additional budget, if needed. (PNA)