BARMM Courtesy Resignations Deadline Set for 2025
The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) has issued a directive requiring all ministers, deputy ministers, and heads of offices and agencies to submit courtesy resignations by June 30, 2025. This move aims to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery during the final phase of BARMM’s transition period.
Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua issued the memorandum circular on June 23, urging all appointed officials within BARMM to comply. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Erwin Garcia shared copies of the directive with the press, emphasizing its importance.
“In light of the serious and grave complaints presented to the undersigned and to improve the quality of service in this critical transition phase, all appointed or designated Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and Heads of offices and agencies are directed to tender their unqualified courtesy resignations no later than the close of business on Muharram 4, 1447 AH / June 30, 2025,” the circular stated.
Consequences and Responsibilities Amid Courtesy Resignations
The circular further clarified that any official who refuses or fails to submit their resignation by the deadline will be considered resigned automatically. Nonetheless, these officials must continue performing their duties until their resignations are formally acted upon.
Macacua, known also as the chief of staff of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces, is leading this directive amidst ongoing efforts to prepare for the upcoming BARMM elections.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently requested courtesy resignations from all his cabinet members as part of a performance evaluation, paralleling BARMM’s approach.
Impact on BARMM Parliamentary Elections Preparation
Comelec Chair Garcia explained that the poll body is closely monitoring the progress of courtesy resignations to ensure smooth coordination with BARMM officials ahead of the first parliamentary elections scheduled for October 13, 2025. Originally set for May 12, 2025, the elections were postponed.
“Any leadership changes inevitably affect our preparations,” Garcia said in an interview. “However, given the extended timeframe, we hope for clarity on which officials will be replaced or retained. This will help us identify the right contacts for election preparations.”
The Comelec has completed a source code review for the automated election system and submitted ballot drafts for approval. The deadline for candidates to submit their photos for ballots has been extended to July 18, with around 40 candidates having complied so far. The poll body is also considering removing candidate images from ballots altogether.
Ensuring Peace and Order as Campaigns Approach
Garcia noted that peace and order currently prevail in BARMM. However, he cautioned that the political environment could shift as the campaign period begins, especially with courtesy resignations underway.
“We are preparing for the campaign season, which typically changes the political atmosphere,” he said. The Comelec has finalized budgets, training schedules for election board members, and coordination with education supervisors and support staff, all aimed at a smooth electoral process.
For more news and updates on BARMM courtesy resignations, visit Filipinokami.com.