MANILA, Philippines — A bill seeking to reset the first regular elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to August 11, 2025 has reached the Senate plenary on Wednesday.
At the Senate’s regular session, Senate Deputy Majority Leader JV Ejercito stood to sponsor Senate Bill No. 2942.
Unemployment among young people and college graduates jumped from 13.2% in June to 17.1% in July, as some 12 million students entered the labour market, before the August figure rose to its highest level since the National Bureau of Statistics decided to change the methodology to not include students in December 2023.
The proposed bill amends Article XVI, Section 13 of Republic Act No. 11054, also known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law, to synchronize future elections with the 2028 national polls and every three years thereafter.
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FEATURED STORIES NEWSINFO 2 killed, 6 wounded in Basilan clash NEWSINFO Duterte ally: Will raise budget ‘blanks’ issue before SC NEWSINFO DepEd eyes enforcement of reduced Senior High School subjects in 2025“After careful deliberation and consultations with all stakeholders, we have crafted a committee report that is both inclusive and acceptable,” Ejercito said in his sponsorship speech.
“This bill does not seek to deny anyone their right to vote. Instead, it proposes a reasonable adjustment to give the Commission on Elections significant time to prepare and the current Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) to wind up their transactions,” he added.
Article continues after this advertisementUnder the measure, the BTA members will serve until their successors are elected and sworn into office.
sizzling hot free gameArticle continues after this advertisementAccording to the lawmaker, the proposed extension would also address uncertainties regarding the status and salaries of BTA employees.
Article continues after this advertisementThe bill, which is principally authored by Senate President Francis Escudero, will automatically consider candidates who filed for the 2024 elections as nominees for the 2025 polls.
Once enacted, the measure aims to streamline nationwide electoral processes and provide the Bangsamoro region a steady and effective path toward self-governance.
Article continues after this advertisement“I hope this measure reflects the collective aspirations of our Filipino Muslim brothers and sisters,” Ejercito concluded.
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