Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has announced the postponement of the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election (BPE) initially scheduled for March 30, 2026. This decision was confirmed by Comelec Chairperson George Garcia during a media interview, citing inadequate time for preparations in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

According to Philippines News Agency, Garcia elaborated that the Comelec En Banc reached a resolution to defer the BPE, stating the inability to legally and operationally conduct the elections on the planned date. He emphasized the challenge of organizing the election within the limited timeframe available.

Garcia mentioned that Comelec is awaiting legislative action from Congress to establish a new date for the elections. He stressed that the continuation of the BPE depends on legislative directives and assured readiness to conduct the elections, whether manual or automated, provided there is sufficient time.

With the postponement, the existing election calendar and associated activities, such as the gun ban implementation set to commence, are rendered invalid. Garcia assured that the allocated funds for the BARRM parliamentary elections remain secure, with Congress and the President ensuring the return of previously spent funds amounting to PHP1.2 billion.

Garcia expressed hopes that the BPE would not coincide with the national and local elections scheduled for May 2028, allowing the electorate to focus on key national positions, including the President and Vice President.