Dwayne Pelagio

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) finally closes the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COC) and manifestations of intent by political parties for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections on Nov. 9, officially concluding the final period of its first-ever polls.

Photo Courtesy of Guinevere Latoza/PCIJ.org.

Notable political groups in BARMM, such as the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s United Bangsamoro Justice Party (MILF-UBJP), Moro Ako, Pro Bangsamoro, Bapa, Mahardika, Raayat, and 1ASC ran for Regional Political Parties (RPP).

Comelec Commissioner George Garcia said to reporters via Viber that 41 individuals filed COCs in Lanao del Sur, 20 in Maguindanao del Norte, 15 each in Maguindanao del Sur and Basilan, 10 in Tawi-Tawi, 6 in Cotabato City, and five in the Special Geographic Area.

One-half of the seats are allotted to RPPs and will be filled up through a system of proportional representation.

This amidst calls in the legislative body to postpone the parliamentary polls.

Senate Bill No. 2862 seeks to postpone BARMM’s parliamentary polls because of the recent Supreme Court (SC) ruling excluding Sulu from the region.

Secretary Carlito Galvez of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity said in the hearing regarding the BARMM election suspension on Nov. 7 that the one-year election reset is also the perfect time for the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to refine existing Bangsamoro policies and codes in preparation for the election.

Maguindanao Del Sur Gov. Mariam Mangudadatu opposed the bill, stresses President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s promise that the polls would no longer be cancelled.

“Last February 4, the President said the first BARMM election next year should be a success. The President likewise said last April 29 that the BARMM election will push through. Why the sudden change?” she said in her statement during the hearing.

The Comelec also urged Congress on Nov. 7 to decide whether to postpone or continue the BARMM polls.