Bill moving first BARMM polls to Oct. 13 hurdles Senate

Metro Manila, Philippines - The Senate on Monday, Feb. 3, approved on third and final reading a bill moving the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to Oct. 13.

Eighteen senators backed the bill, one opposed, and no abstention. Senate Minority Leader Koko Pimentel opposed the measure.

Senate Bill 2942 would amend the Bangsamoro Organic Law, postponing the first parliamentary polls to Oct. 13 instead of May 12 simultaneous with the midterm polls.

The Commission on Elections has put on hold the printing of ballots for the BARMM elections.

READ: Comelec braces for BARMM polls delay as bill nears Senate approval 

In December, the House of Representatives passed a counterpart measure postponing the polls for one year. Senate President Francis "Chiz" Escudero earlier said Malacañang proposed the five-month delay .

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. certified the bill as urgent.