MANILA – The Office of the President (OP) on Thursday affirmed that the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) will continue to serve as the legitimate governing body of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), following the Supreme Court’s decision to postpone the October 13, 2025 regional elections to a date not later than March 31, 2026.

The Palace said that since no election took place, the BTA shall continue to exercise full powers and authority during the extended transition period as provided under Republic Act No. 12123, until new officials are duly elected or appointed.

“The authority to make changes in the composition of the BTA during the transition remains with the Office of the President, as provided by law. No formal reappointment is necessary, as current members continue to hold office by operation of law until replaced or succeeded,” Malacañang said in a statement.

The OP emphasized that the BTA’s continued authority ensures “continuity of governance, legal stability, and an orderly transition in the Bangsamoro,” consistent with the Bangsamoro Organic Law, RA No. 12123, and the Supreme Court’s ruling in Ali v. COMELEC.

The Office of the President also reiterated its commitment to peace, self-governance, and inclusive development in the region.

RA No. 12123, enacted in February 2025, reset the first regular BARMM elections to October 13, 2025, from the original date of May 2025. It also mandated that the next elections be synchronized with the 2028 national polls and every three years thereafter.

Last month, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) suspended preparations for the BARMM polls following the Supreme Court’s temporary restraining order against implementing the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) 77, or the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Redistricting Act.

The TRO was issued pending the resolution of two cases questioning the reallocation of seven parliamentary seats originally assigned to Sulu province. The Supreme Court earlier ruled in 2024 that Sulu is not part of BARMM.