THE United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) has expressed concern over proposed legislative changes affecting the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections, cautioning the Senate that these measures could disrupt ongoing preparations and potentially lead to another postponement.
In a position paper opposing Senate Bill No. 1587, presented on Feb. 5, Member of Parliament Atty. Lanang Ali Jr. called for the immediate conduct of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARMM) first parliamentary elections.
Addressing the Senate committee chaired by Sen. Juan Miguel “Migz” Zubiri, Ali conveyed greetings of “Salam” from Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Chair Al Haj Murad Ebrahim before outlining the party’s position on recent developments affecting the electoral process.
The UBJP underscored that more than 2.5 million registered voters in BARMM are awaiting the opportunity to participate in the historic polls.
The party said both the MILF and UBJP are prepared to accept the outcome of elections that are free, honest, orderly, and peaceful, consistent with the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB).
A history of postponements
The UBJP noted that the first parliamentary elections have already been postponed multiple times—from May 2022 to May 12, 2025; then to Oct. 13, 2025; and later to March 30, 2026.
The party cited the Supreme Court ruling in Lanang Ali Jr. vs. BTA, which directed the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to hold the elections no later than March 31, 2026.
According to the UBJP, the current schedule was affected by delays following the Bangsamoro Transition Authority’s (BTA) failure to enact the redistricting law within the timeframe ordered by the High Court.
Concerns over recent amendments
The UBJP raised specific concerns over amendments to the Bangsamoro Electoral Code passed by the BTA Parliament on Jan. 28, 2026, saying these could significantly affect Comelec’s long-term preparations.
Ali identified provisions the party believes warrant closer review, including proposed changes that lower membership and vote thresholds for regional political parties; the requirement for existing parties and sectoral organizations to undergo reaccreditation; and provisions directing Comelec to issue new implementing rules within a limited timeframe, alongside changes to the selection process for sectoral representatives.
The party warned that introducing substantial adjustments close to the election period could complicate implementation and affect public confidence in the electoral process.
The UBJP also reiterated its preference for retaining sectoral assemblies, citing concerns that altering the selection mechanism could limit participation among marginalized sectors.
In closing, the party reminded lawmakers that the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections are a key component of the peace process and are being closely observed by both national and international stakeholders.
“The conduct of these elections is integral to sustaining peace and stability in Mindanao,” the UBJP said, urging that long-term peace objectives remain central to legislative deliberations. (With reports from Mar Sabate)
