Comelec grapples with Sulu exclusion as COC filing kicks off in BARMM
Metro Manila, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) began accepting certificates of candidacy in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) on Monday as the region grapples with a Supreme Court ruling excluding Sulu from the group.
The ruling has an implication on the seven parliamentary seats allocated to the province.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia visited the region to oversee the filing process, accompanied by police and military officials.
In Cotabato City, Garcia said the poll body is preparing for the Bangsamoro elections on May 12, 2025 unless it is postponed by law.
“Therefore doon sa mga agam-agam, nagdadalawang-isip na mga kababayan natin, nandito mismo ang inyong commission (Therefore, to those with doubts or second thoughts, your commission is here) and therefore we are willing and able and we will be accepting all your certificates of candidacy beginning today up to the 9th of November,” Garcia said.
The poll chairman, however, admitted that the recent Supreme Court decision that declared Sulu is not part of BARMM is a challenge.
“Aaminin ko sa inyo, legal issue yun sapagkat ang organic law ay nagsasabi ng 80 (parliamentary seats), ang election code ay nagsasabi ng 80, ang implementing rules and regulation nagsasabi ng 80, pero siyempre dahil sa naging desisyon ng Supreme Court tanggal ang seven ng Sulu. So 73 lang,” Garcia said.
[Translation: I’ll admit to you, that’s a legal issue because the organic law states 80 parliamentary seats, the election code states 80, and the implementing rules and regulations also state 80. But of course, due to the Supreme Court's decision, Sulu’s seven seats are removed, leaving only 73.]
“Anybody can question the action of the commission in proceeding with the election,” he added.
Garcia stated that it is now up to Congress or the Bangsamoro parliament to determine the fate of Sulu’s seven seats.
Meanwhile, Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero plans to file a bill to postpone the Bangsamoro elections in relation to the Supreme Court ruling.
Senator Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, author and sponsor of the Bangsamoro organic law, however, said enacting a law will be a challenge given the tight legislative schedule.
Congress adjourns for the Christmas break on Dec. 21 to Jan. 12, resume session on Jan. 13 to Feb. 7, and adjourn again on Feb. 8 to June 1 for the midterm elections. Session will resume on June 2 to 13.
Comelec said more than two million voters encompass the region’s 15 parliamentary districts. In 2025, they will cast two ballots – one for the midterm elections and the other for BARMM’s first-ever parliamentary elections.
