The Bangsamoro Parliament passed a law on February 28, 2024, creating 32 single-member parliamentary districts, with plans to amend the law before the regional elections on October 13, 2025. The redistricting of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), following Sulu’s removal, is targeted for completion by the regional elections on October 13, according to Bangsamoro government spokesperson Mohd Asnin Pendatun. The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) will amend Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) 58, which initially allocated 80 seats for the parliament. Pendatun believes five months will suffice for the amendment, noting that the election postponement allows the BTA to address seat allocation issues. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed Republic Act 12123 on February 19, rescheduling the elections from May 12 to October 13, a move welcomed by the BARMM government. BAA 58 stipulates the 80-member parliament comprises 40 party representatives, 32 single-district representatives, and eight sectoral representatives. Sulu’s exclusion by the Supreme Court in September 2024, due to its rejection of the Bangsamoro Organic Law in the 2019 plebiscite, necessitates redistricting to maintain the 80-member parliament. Pendatun emphasized the need for legislation to reallocate Sulu’s seven seats. Election watchdog LENTE urged the BTA to ensure the amendment process is consultative and transparent. Pendatun highlighted the benefits of the election postponement, allowing focused national resources and security, awareness-raising, and resolution of redistricting and security concerns. (Ian Carl Espinosa / MindaNews)
