Manila: Malaca±ang on Wednesday said it fully respects the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision to postpone the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections, calling the move a ‘pivotal step’ toward strengthening constitutional order in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

According to Philippines News Agency, the Office of the President (OP) expressed its support for the SC’s decision, emphasizing its importance in ensuring the legitimacy and legal framework of BARMM’s democratic processes. The statement highlighted that the ruling is crucial for establishing the constitutional and legal foundations necessary for conducting the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections.

The OP reiterated its dedication to safeguarding the peace process, strengthening democratic institutions, and protecting the political rights of all citizens in the Bangsamoro region. The Supreme Court on Tuesday declared unconstitutional the redistricting laws enacted by the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), which were intended to guide the region’s first parliamentary elections scheduled for Oct. 13, 2025.

The court’s decision effectively deferred the elections until a constitutionally sound framework is established. The OP reaffirmed its commitment to the peace process, voicing full support for constitutionally mandated institutions as they navigate the next steps following the postponement. It underscored the importance of realizing the democratic aspirations of the Bangsamoro people within the framework of the Constitution and the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has been under a transitional government since 2019, following the ratification of the BOL. In a decision dated Sept. 30, the SC declared as unconstitutional Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) No. 58 and BAA No. 77, which were passed by the BTA to create and reconstitute parliamentary districts in the region. The tribunal also requested the BTA to propose a replacement for the two laws on outlining BARMM’s legislative districts by the end of the month.