THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday ordered the suspension of the preparations for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Parliamentary Elections (BPE) set on Oct. 13, amid the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) by the Supreme Court (SC) against the implementation of Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) 77.
In a press briefing, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia noted that the decision of the commission en banc to halt all the preparations for the BPE next month complies with the High Court’s ruling on Tuesday.
“All (election preparation) activities will remain suspended until the TRO is lifted, or until the Supreme Court will issue a final ruling there in the case involving the legality, constitutionality of Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 77,” Garcia added.
He noted that the Comelec could be cited in contempt if it continues with the preparations.
When asked if there will be an election next month, Garcia said, “Up until now, due to the suspension, Comelec cannot answer whether there will be an election on Oct. 13.”
“BAA 58 is now null and void or dead as far as BAA 77 is concerned. Now, that means Comelec is obligated to implement BAA 77. The mandatory number of seats to be elected should be 80. Contrary to what we are preparing for BAA 77,” Garcia said.
BAA 58, an “Act Providing for the Creation of Parliamentary Districts in BARMM,” was amended by BAA 77, also known as the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Act of 2025.
BAA 58 excluded Sulu from the BARMM, while BAA 77 reallocated seven parliamentary districts initially assigned to Sulu.
“What is the effect of the TRO? Will BAA 58 be revived? No. Because a TRO only prevents the implementation of a valid law. It does not say that it is worthless or unconstitutional. It just says, do not implement it while we study whether it is legal and constitutional,” Garcia said.
He said they are set to file a manifestation before the High Court on Thursday and their response to the ruling early next week.
“I have instructed the law department to coordinate with the Office of the Solicitor General as the Commission’s lawyer so that we can file tomorrow with the SC a manifestation that, in compliance with the TRO, we are suspending preparations for the Oct. 13 BPE,” Garcia said.
“At the same time, we were told to respond five days from yesterday’s comment. Our deadline is Monday, and we will file. The manifestation to be filed tomorrow will clarify with the SC what the Commission on Elections should do because, based on our study, BAA 58 has already been repealed.” (PNA)
