House of Representatives approves bill to delay BARMM elections to 2026

The Philippine House of Representatives has approved a bill to delay the first regular elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) from 2025 to May 11, 2026. The vote was 198 in favor, with four against. The new legislation, House Bill No. 11144, also allows President Marcos to appoint 80 interim members to the Bangsamoro Transition Authority until elections are held. The current authority's term will end with this change. The Bangsamoro Transition Authority requested the postponement to address legal issues and enhance political participation. The bill also mandates the disbursement of funds for Sulu's programs in 2025.