Senate President Francis Escudero emphasized that the October 13 Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections must proceed to ensure that Muslim Filipinos can elect leaders accountable to them.
This will mark the first time BARMM officials are chosen through elections, replacing previous presidential appointments.
Escudero called the election a “gift” of democracy to the region, promoting self-governance and autonomy.
The elections were originally scheduled for May 2022 but were delayed due to the pandemic and the lack of a Bangsamoro Electoral Code.
However, a 2024 Supreme Court ruling excluded Sulu from BARMM, creating uncertainty about the fate of its seven parliamentary seats.
Source: PhilNews24 | June 17, 2025
