Senators on Monday unanimously approved a bill resetting the first regular elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to September 2026.

Sponsored by Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri, Senate Bill No. 1823 moves the first regular election for the Bangsamoro Government to the second Monday of September 2026, and every three years thereafter.

Under the bill, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) will continue to serve as the interim government during the extended transition period, unless its members are replaced by the President or their tenure is shortened by election to another office.

The measure also provides that the automated election system used in the May 12, 2025 national and local elections shall likewise be employed for the first BARMM Parliamentary Election.

Qualified voters registered in precincts within BARMM based on the latest Election Registration Board hearing will be entitled to vote.

Elected officials in the first BARMM Parliamentary Election will assume office at noon on Oct. 30 following their election.

Funding will be charged against the current year’s appropriations of the Commission on Elections or any available appropriations identified by the Department of Budget and Management, with subsequent funding to be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

In his explanation of vote, Senator Joel Villanueva expressed support for the measure and commended Zubiri.

“This measure is not about delaying democracy, rather, it is about strengthening it. Let us view this reset as a commitment to genuine democracy, one where the people of BARMM are able to participate fully, fairly, and confidently in choosing their leaders,” Villanueva said. (PNA)