The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has officially welcomed the inclusion of legislation to reset the inaugural Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Barmm) Parliamentary Elections (BPE) as a top priority of the Marcos Jr. administration. This development follows the Legislative Executive Development Advisory Council (Ledac) meeting held on Thursday, February 12, 2026, where President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr. identified the BPE law among 21 key measures.
Urgent Certification and Legislative Momentum
In a recent interview, Comelec Chairman George Garcia expressed profound appreciation for the administration's commitment. He revealed that President Marcos Jr. has shown readiness to certify the bill as urgent if necessary, ensuring the elections proceed as scheduled in September 2026. "Good news for the Comelec that, during the Ledac meeting, the President declared the reset of the Barmm elections as a priority legislation," Garcia stated. "The President himself even said that if this law needs to be certified as urgent, he will do so just to ensure that the elections take place this September 2026. That is welcome news to us."
Call for Expedited Passage
With the BPE law receiving such high-level endorsement, the Comelec has formally urged both the Senate and the House of Representatives to accelerate the passage of their respective versions. Garcia emphasized the critical need for swift legislative action, noting that the Comelec's operational plans depend entirely on the enactment of this law. "We need the law immediately, ASAP because that's where the Comelec will base its actions and the things we still have to do," he explained. "Our commitment is to conduct the BPE against all odds."
Current Legislative Status
As of now, the legislative process is advancing on two fronts. Senate Bill 1823 has recently been elevated to the plenary for broader discussion, while House Bill 7236 remains under consideration at the committee level. This dual-track approach underscores the complexity and importance of the legislation, which aims to establish a new electoral framework for the Bangsamoro region. The Comelec's proactive stance highlights its dedication to facilitating a smooth and timely electoral process, reinforcing democratic governance in Mindanao.
