Escudero bill seeks one-year delay for Bangsamoro polls

Metro Manila, Philippines – Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has filed a bill proposing a one-year postponement of the historic Bangsamoro elections over unresolved legal issues.

Escudero’s bill, filed on Monday, Nov. 4, proposes to reschedule the first regular elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to May 11, 2026, instead of May 12, 2025, which would coincide with the midterm elections.

The Bangsamoro polls were previously postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the lack of an electoral code. This time, Escudero cited the potential disenfranchisement of voters in eight municipalities that the Bangsamoro parliament declared part of Kutawato province, though Congress has yet to pass a law confirming this change.

“The creation of a new province necessitates the creation of a new legislative district as well. Failure on the part of Congress to do so may result in the disenfranchisement of voters in the 8 municipalities… since they will not be able to vote for a governor and a representative,” the bill reads.

Escudero also cited the recent Supreme Court ruling excluding Sulu from BARMM.

“This ruling may require a substantial correction of existing laws, particularly RA No. 11054, and the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Districts Act of 2024 (BAA No. 58, 2024), referring to the allocation of the statutorily mandated eight (80) seats in the Bangsamoro Parliament,” Escudero said in his bill.

In a chance interview with Senate reporters, Escudero said the Palace “requested” the proposed measure due to the Supreme Court decision.

Commission on Elections Chairman George Garcia said the poll body will continue preparations for the BARMM elections pending legislation on a postponement.

“A bill is not yet a law… However, as in the past, we will defer to the wisdom of the legislature on this matter,” Garcia said.

READ: Comelec grapples with Sulu exclusion as COC filing kicks off in BARMM