President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. called on registered voters across the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to participate in Monday’s landmark parliamentary elections while actively protecting the sanctity of the ballot and sustaining peace throughout the region.
In an official video address released Monday morning, the President underscored the historical weight of the polling exercise, describing it as a pivotal turning point in the autonomous region’s democratic transition.
“This election marks a milestone in the continuing journey of the BARMM toward lasting peace, democratic governance, and meaningful self-determination. I therefore encourage every qualified voter to take part in this momentous event with wisdom, dignity, and respect for one another,” President Marcos said.
He further urged citizens to view their votes as instrumental to the long-term stability and leadership of both Mindanao and the country as a whole.
“May the votes that you will cast help us identify good leaders who can strengthen the institutions of the Bangsamoro and contribute to the progress of Mindanao and the entire nation. Let us also safeguard the integrity of the ballot and preserve the peace that has made this democratic exercise possible,” Marcos added.
Monday’s regional elections follow a series of legislative postponements aimed at ensuring adequate institutional preparation and electoral readiness across the autonomous region.
The inaugural parliamentary elections were originally slated for May 9, 2022, before being rescheduled to May 12, 2025 under Republic Act No. 11593. Subsequent legislative adjustments under RA No. 12123 deferred the polls to October 13, 2025, before Congress ultimately enacted Republic Act No. 12317, which fixed the final date for September 14, 2026.
With the passage of RA No. 12317, the newly elected regional lawmakers will formally assume office to lead the Bangsamoro Parliament, ending the extended interim administration of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority.