Philippine House files bill to postpone BARMM elections to May 2026

A new bill has been filed in the Philippine House of Representatives to move the first general elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) from May 12, 2025, to May 11, 2026. This change aims to support a smoother transition for the region. House Bill 11034, filed on November 5, responds to a request from the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) for more time to prepare for self-governance. If passed, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. will appoint 80 interim BTA members until elections are held. The bill addresses complications arising from a Supreme Court ruling that excluded Sulu province from BARMM, affecting parliamentary seat allocations. House Speaker Martin Romualdez stated that postponing the elections is necessary to ensure effective governance in the region.