BARMM Chief Questions Comelec on Seven Seats Law
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua has raised concerns over the Commission on Elections’ (Comelec) refusal to apply the new law regarding the seven parliamentary seats. This law, known as the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Redistricting Act of 2025, redistributes seven seats to Sulu province, reflecting recent legal changes.
Macacua signed the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 77 on Thursday, which amends the earlier Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 58 that established parliamentary districts within BARMM. The early application of this seven seats law is critical, he emphasized, to ensure the electoral framework aligns with current legal rulings.
Legal Basis for Seat Redistribution
The reallocation of these seven seats follows a Supreme Court decision that excluded Sulu from BARMM after the province voted against ratifying the Bangsamoro Organic Law in a plebiscite. This ruling necessitated adjustments in the parliamentary districting to reflect the new political boundaries.
Despite this, Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia stated that the poll body cannot implement the new law in time for the upcoming elections due to logistical challenges. Officials reported that the timeframe is too tight to reconfigure election systems and materials accordingly.
Comelec Cites Logistical Constraints
Garcia explained that adopting the seven seats law would require substantial changes to the automated election system, ballot printing, and deployment of election materials. He noted that election materials would have to be distributed by October 20, a week after the scheduled October 13 elections, which is legally problematic.
The redistricting involves transferring one municipality to another, a technical change that demands system reprogramming and additional preparations. This complexity underpins Comelec’s position to proceed with the existing 73 parliamentary seats.
BARMM Chief Stands Firm on Legal Compliance
Macacua countered that Comelec is obligated to uphold and execute laws passed by the legislature, especially those affecting elections. He questioned, “How can we proceed with elections on the basis of a law which is no longer applicable? And which the configuration no longer exists.”
Local leaders noted the importance of applying the seven seats law to reflect the current political reality and maintain the integrity of the electoral process.
Comelec Maintains Current Election Preparations
In response, Garcia reaffirmed that the poll body will continue preparations based on the 73-seat configuration. He stressed that it is up to the Bangsamoro government to address the status of the remaining seven seats.
“As far as the Comelec is concerned, there are presently 73 seats, unless the Bangsamoro Parliament later acts on it,” Garcia said. “The seven seats will always be there because there can be elections for them, appointments, or the option to keep them vacant.”
Officials emphasized that the decision not to implement the new law immediately is not intended to create conflict but to ensure a peaceful and orderly election process.
Moving Forward Amidst Disagreement
The ongoing dispute highlights the complexities of electoral administration in autonomous regions undergoing legal and territorial changes. Community members expressed hope for cooperation between BARMM and Comelec to uphold democratic principles and ensure fair representation.
For more news and updates on BARMM parliamentary seats law, visit Filipinokami.com.
