DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 18 January) – Al Haj Murad Ebrahim, chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) and Bangsamoro Chief Minister, stated that the new districting law passed by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) raises serious constitutional questions but did not confirm if the MILF would challenge it in the Supreme Court. Instead, he urged the public to engage in dialogue and remain vigilant. Mohagher Iqbal, MILF Peace Implementing Panel chair, clarified that there are no plans to file a petition with the Supreme Court. The BTA passed Parliamentary Bill 415 in a special session on January 12, 2026, after a 10-hour deliberation, with 48 votes in favor, 19 against, and four abstentions. Among the dissenters were Iqbal, Abdullah Hashim, Abdullah Macapaar, and Deputy Speaker Lanang Ali Jr. Murad expressed concern that the law failed to ensure fair representation and disregarded historical and cultural boundaries. This marks the BTA’s third districting law, as the Supreme Court previously declared the first two unconstitutional. The law’s passage allows Congress to set a date for the postponed Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections, marking the end of the extended transition period. Murad emphasized the need for legislation prioritizing the rule of law over expediency. Deputy Speaker Laisa Alamia cited PB 415 as having the least risk of being unconstitutional, while MP Ishak Mastura called it “constitutionally compliant.” MP Naguib Sinarimbo stated that most issues raised were addressed during debates, though amendments were accepted for some regions but not Lanao del Sur. Murad thanked supporters of PB 407, which garnered only 19 votes, while most MILF nominees in the BTA voted yes, abstained, or were absent.
