The Supreme Court has issued a temporary restraining order halting the implementation of Bangsamoro Autonomy Act 77 (BAA 77), which sought to redraw parliamentary districts in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
The decision consolidates two petitions challenging the law’s constitutionality, particularly its reallocation of seven seats originally assigned to Sulu, despite a 2024 ruling declaring the province outside BARMM.
Petitioners argue the law was passed illegally since the election period began before its enactment, claiming it undermines fair and credible elections.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) and Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) have five days to submit their responses.
The case comes just weeks before BARMM’s historic first parliamentary elections on October 13, which could see major shifts in political representation.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 17, 2025
