MANILA — The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has deferred the implementation of the proposed reconstitution of parliamentary districts in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), citing time constraints and the risk of voter confusion ahead of the October 13, 2025 parliamentary elections.

In an executive session on August 27, the COMELEC en banc resolved that the redistricting measure under Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament Bill No. 351 will instead be implemented in the next regular BARMM parliamentary elections after 2025.

COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia defended the decision, saying the poll body could not afford further delays in preparations.

“Bawat araw [na] nawawala ay importante. Baka lalo kami hindi umabot sa paghahanda kung patuloy kami maghihintay. Walang babaguhin sa balota, sa pinaghandaan, sa listahan ng kandidato,” Garcia said.

With the decision, the COMELEC Ballot Production Committee, in coordination with the National Printing Office and the Miru Joint Venture, will resume the printing of official ballots for the BARMM elections starting August 28 at the NPO printing facility in Quezon City.