MANILA – The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) deferred the conduct of the March 30, 2026 Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections until a new date is fixed by law.

In a statement dated January 28, COMELEC said the En Banc promulgated Minute Resolution No. 26-0071 resolving matters related to the scheduled BARMM polls.

Under the resolution, COMELEC deferred the elections originally set for March 30, 2026, citing that election timelines were already too proximate, rendering the conduct of the BARMM Parliamentary Elections no longer feasible.

The poll body also noted recommendations and assessments on mandatory preliminary activities, including varied legal implications affecting the conduct of the elections. These include the effectivity of Parliament Bill No. 415, which falls within the prohibition under Republic Act No. 8189, or the Voters Registration Act of 1996, which proscribes the alteration of a precinct at the start of the election period.

COMELEC further cited that the conduct of assemblies and conventions for the election of parliamentary sectoral representatives cannot proceed until the election date is set, pursuant to the pronouncement of the Supreme Court in the cases of Ali, Jr. v. BTA and COMELEC and Macapaar v. BTA and COMELEC.

The commission also set aside and terminated all activities under COMELEC Resolution Nos. 11181 and 11184, which cover the calendar of activities and periods of certain prohibited acts, as well as the conduct of assemblies and conventions for the election of parliamentary sectoral representatives in connection with the March 30, 2026 BARMM Parliamentary Elections.

Accordingly, COMELEC said the BARMM Parliamentary Elections will not push through on March 30, 2026.