KORONADAL CITY — Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri urged Bangsamoro leaders on Wednesday not to squander their people’s mandate as the first Bangsamoro parliamentary election, scheduled for September 2026, moves closer to reality. The Senate ratified the bicameral committee report on Tuesday, resetting the election to September 14, 2026, marking a significant legislative step. The next step is the transmittal of the measure to the Office of the President for signing, with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. expected to approve it. The election, originally set for May 2022 and rescheduled multiple times, was delayed due to a Supreme Court ruling in September 2023 that declared two Bangsamoro districting laws unconstitutional. The Bangsamoro Organic Law mandates the election of 80 Members of Parliament. Zubiri emphasized the importance of this election as a fulfillment of the Bangsamoro people’s right to self-determination and leadership. He called on future parliamentarians to maximize their five-year term to advance regional development. The bicameral report simplifies the election timeline and aligns future BARMM elections with national and local elections starting in May 2031. Winners of the 2026 election will assume office on October 30, 2026, serving until June 30, 2031. Zubiri highlighted the historic responsibility of the first Bangsamoro Parliament in shaping the region’s governance and urged them to lay the groundwork for long-term development.
