Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced its preparedness to conduct the inaugural Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections (BPE) within the current year. The electoral body is currently awaiting the formalization of a law by the Senate and House of Representatives, which will establish the official date for the elections as September 14, 2026.
According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco emphasized the readiness of the commission to proceed with the elections, following recent legislative discussions. During a public briefing, Laudiangco noted that Congress has reached a consensus on setting the BPE date and assured the public of Comelec's readiness to release a comprehensive schedule of election-related activities once the law is enacted.
Laudiangco further explained that the enactment of the law would enable the immediate implementation of a detailed calendar, alongside the drafting of necessary rules and regulations. He highlighted the importance of prohibiting certain acts during the parliamentary elections, underscoring that the legislative process is crucial for these preparations.
The postponement of the original March 30, 2026, BPE date was attributed to issues related to districting and insufficient time for voter education campaigns. Laudiangco expressed confidence that the current timeline, pending legislative approval, provides ample time for adequate preparation.
The upcoming BPE will utilize an automated voting system, similar to the one employed in the previous year's midterm elections. Laudiangco assured that the technology, developed by South Korean-based company Miru Systems Inc., would be adapted to suit the specific requirements of the BPE, ensuring a seamless electoral process.
The use of approximately 100,000 automated counting machines, successfully deployed during the national and local polls on May 12, 2025, will be integral to the BARMM elections, pending the timely passage of the required legislation.
