Manila: Civil society groups based in Lanao del Sur have filed a petition before the Supreme Court (SC) questioning Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) No. 77, which they claim improperly includes portions of Sulu. The petitioners argue that the law redistricted municipalities in violation of existing legal requirements, including the need for consultation and ensuring that redistricted areas are contiguous, compact, and adjacent.
According to Philippines News Agency, the petitioners include notable figures such as former Moro Islamic Liberation Front Northwest Mindanao Command leader and current member of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament, Abdullah Macapaar; Mangontawar Macacuna, chairperson of the Bangsamoro Development Authority; Sultan Alimsaad Amat Amate Najer Esppe of the United Imams of the Philippines; Nasif Marangit; and Maulana Mamutok. The lawsuit names the Commission on Elections and the Bangsamoro Transition Authority as respondents.
The petitioners claim that Section 5 of BAA 77 infringes on candidates’ rights by preventing them from being voted for in districts where they filed their certificates of candidacy (COC). This section also allegedly deprives voters of the opportunity to support their intended candidates based on the original political configuration at the time of filing. An ironic situation arises where a candidate might not even be able to vote for themselves if their registration and residency do not align with the newly constituted district boundaries imposed by BAA 77.
The petition further highlights that candidates are not allowed to file a new or corrected COC under the newly established Third District, despite it being the location of their constituency. This situation is seen as a direct denial of a candidate’s right to participate freely in the electoral process and to have equal access to public office. This right is guaranteed under Section 23, Article II of the 1987 Constitution, which mandates the state to ensure equal access to opportunities for public service and to prohibit political dynasties as defined by law.
