BARMM GRAND MUFTI ISSUES FATWA AGAINST VOTE-BUYING, SELLING

The Bangsamoro Darul Ifta, led by Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulrauf Guialani, issued a fatwa prohibiting vote-buying and vote-selling in the upcoming May midterm elections and the Bangsamoro Parliament election in October. The fatwa condemns vote-buying as bribery, betrayal, and false testimony, warning that it allows unqualified candidates to enter public office. Guialani described the practice as a “national crime and moral corruption” that threatens the country’s future. The decree applies to both the midterm polls and the Bangsamoro Parliament Election (BPE) on October 13, which was recently moved from May under Republic Act No. 12123, signed by President Marcos. Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim welcomed the extension, emphasizing its role in ensuring a stable transition and promoting meaningful political participation.