Speaker Faustino “Bojie” Dy III on Thursday welcomed the signing into law by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. of the measure resetting the first regular elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), calling it a crucial step toward a more stable and credible democratic transition in the region.
Republic Act 12317 is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 1823 and House Bill No. 8220, which were passed by the Senate and the House of Representatives, respectively, on March 17.
The newly enacted law moves the first BARMM parliamentary elections to September 2026 and aligns subsequent polls with the national and local elections beginning May 2031.
“The signing of this law strengthens the foundations of the Bangsamoro political system and ensures that the first regular parliamentary elections are conducted in a credible, orderly, and well-prepared manner,” Dy said in a statement.
“The goal is to implement the transition properly. We are working to ensure that when the Bangsamoro people choose their leaders, it is under a system that is ready, credible, and fully prepared to carry their mandate,” he added.
He said the extension of the transition period will allow BARMM institutions to further strengthen governance mechanisms and complete key preparations ahead of the first regular parliamentary elections.
Dy said the law also ensures continuity in governance by allowing the Bangsamoro Transition Authority to remain in place until duly elected officials assume office.
He also underscored the importance of synchronizing future BARMM elections with the national and local electoral calendar to promote efficiency and consistency in governance.
The Speaker thanked President Marcos and members of both chambers of Congress for the swift passage and enactment of the measure.
Meanwhile, Lanao del Sur 1st District Rep. Zia Alonto Adiong, chairperson of the House Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms, expressed “profound gratitude” to President Marcos for signing into law RA 12317, saying it strengthens democratic governance in the BARMM.
“This law is of vital importance to the BARMM. It ensures an orderly and credible transition to a fully elected Parliament, giving our people the genuine democratic participation they deserve,” Adiong said in a separate statement.
He said the legislation forms part of President Marcos’ LEDAC priority measures, underscoring that “indeed, the President gives importance to the BARMM and its smooth transition to full parliamentary democracy.”
Adiong, one of the principal authors of the measure, emphasized that the legislation reflects a strong collective commitment to good governance and lasting peace in the Bangsamoro region.
He also extended his sincere thanks to President Marcos, Speaker Dy and Majority Leader Sandro Marcos for their support, his colleagues in the House of Representatives and the Senate, the Bangsamoro government under Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, and all partners “who worked together to make this important law a reality.” (PNA)