MANILA — Senator Bam Aquino expressed full support for the conduct of the first-ever parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), highlighting its importance for development, empowerment, and accountability in the region.

The Supreme Court previously required the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to finalize the distribution of parliamentary seats and directed the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) to hold the elections no later than March 31, 2026.

The polls were originally scheduled for October 13, 2025, but were canceled after the High Court ruled that Bangsamoro Autonomy Acts 58 and 77, which redistricted seven parliamentary seats in Sulu, were unconstitutional.

Aquino stressed that the upcoming elections will advance full autonomy as envisioned in the law and fulfill the decades-long struggle of the Moro people.

“Napakahalaga ng darating na halalan para sa ating mga kababayan sa BARMM. Sa tulong nito, matutupad na ang layunin ng batas na awtonomiya na matagal nilang ipinaglaban. Matitiyak din ang malinaw na mandato mula sa mamamayan at tuloy-tuloy na kapayapaan at kaayusan sa rehiyon,” he said.

The senator also warned that prolonged delays could erode public confidence in the electoral process and hinder the realization of peace and self-governance in BARMM.

“Ilang beses nang na-postpone ang matagal nang hinihintay na halalan sa BARMM. Panahon na pakinggan ang boses ng kababayan natin sa BARMM, na tiyakin nila ang nais nilang pagbabago sa rehiyon at tuloy-tuloy na ang pag-unlad,” Aquino stressed.

He called on the COMELEC to ensure that the parliamentary elections proceed as scheduled in March 2026.