Comelec facing legal, operational issues on holding BPE

By Ferdinand Patinio, Philippine News Agency

Comelec chairperson George Garcia said the absence of such law on the BPE in March is uncertain. “We are now confronted with strong legal and operational issues as to whether the conduct of the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election is still feasible by March 30. Since there is no law yet fixing the date of the election, at this point, the same is still a question mark,” he said in a statement Tuesday. (Photo: PNA/Facebook)

MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is faced with several issues regarding the conduct of the first-ever Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) since there is no law yet that fixed the date of the electoral exercise.

Comelec chairperson George Garcia said the absence of such law on the BPE in March is uncertain.

“We are now confronted with strong legal and operational issues as to whether the conduct of the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election is still feasible by March 30. Since there is no law yet fixing the date of the election, at this point, the same is still a question mark,” he said in a statement Tuesday.

Meanwhile, he commended the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament for the approval on third and final reading Parliament Bill No. 415, a new law that defines the 32 parliamentary districts in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

The measure was approved on Jan. 13, 2026, with 48 members voting in favor, 19 against, and four abstentions.

“We, however commend the Bangsamoro Parliament for the giant step of finally passing this important piece of legislation,” he said.

“Of course, it has to still be signed by the Chief Minister (Abdulraof Macacua) and to hurdle the effectivity clause. Overall, our hope is eternal,” Garcia added.

The 32 parliamentary districts are set to have 32 district representatives elected during the BPE.

The parliamentary seats are allocated as follows: nine for Lanao del Sur; five each for Maguindanao del Norte and Maguindanao del Sur; four each for Basilan and Tawi-Tawi; three for Cotabato City; and two for the Special Geographic Area.

“The SC clearly emphasized that there should be no redistricting 120 days before the election. Since as mandated by the decision, we fixed the date of election on March 30, 2025, this will now run contrary to the prohibition mentioned and the provision of the law,” Garcia said.

The High Court earlier directed the BTA to pass the new law by Oct. 30, 2025 to allow the holding the BPE not later than March 31, 2026.

The Comelec promulgated Resolution No. 11181, setting the date of the BPE on March 30, 2026.