Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has announced its decision to delay the printing of ballots for the Bangsamoro Parliament Elections (BPE) due to recent developments. This was revealed in a statement by Comelec Chairperson George Garcia, who confirmed that they would proceed with printing only the ballots for the May 12 national and local elections.

According to Philippines News Agency, Garcia explained that the postponement was in anticipation of potential changes in the electoral landscape, specifically concerning the redistricting and reapportionment of slots originally assigned to Sulu. “Because of these recent developments we did not yet proceed with the printing of the BARMM parliamentary ballots. Only the national and local elections ballots,” Garcia stated.

The decision comes in light of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s certification of Senate Bill 2942 as urgent, a proposed measure to postpone the parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). Marcos supports the bill to allow the Bangsamoro transitional government to realign its governance structure. “Let’s just wait for the passage of law,” Garcia remarked, noting the numerous adjustments required.

Garcia admitted that the commission had not anticipated these developments and initially expected the parliamentary elections to proceed as planned. The House of Representatives and the Senate have presented differing versions of the bill, with the House proposing a May 2026 election date, while the Senate suggests moving the polls from May 12, 2025, to August 11, 2025.

In related news, the Comelec resumed the reprinting of ballots on January 27, 2025, after halting printing activities due to temporary restraining orders issued by the Supreme Court. These orders pertained to cases involving national and local candidates previously disqualified by the poll body. Garcia indicated that further adjustments would be necessary as preparations for the upcoming elections continue.