The Supreme Court (SC) pushed back the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s (BARRM) parliamentary elections set for October 13, citing two laws as unconstitutional.

On Wednesday, October 1, the SC announced that it declared the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) No. 77 and BAA No. 58 unconstitutional.

“From the finality of this Decision, respondent Bangsamoro Transition Authority shall IMMEDIATELY UNDERTAKE, by October 30, 2025 at the latest, the accomplishment of the determination of parliamentary districts for the first regular election for the members of the Parliament in strict compliance with the priorities and requirements provided in the Bangsamoro Organic Law, as well as the criteria laid down in this Decision,” Atty. Camille Ting, the SC Spokesperson, said.

In compliance with Section 5 of the Voter’s Registration Act, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is directed to “promptly proceed” with its preparations and conduct the elections not later than March 31, 2026.

According to Ting, the BAA 77 is null and void for violating the Bangsamoro Organic Law’s requirement that each district should comprise adjacent and adjoining areas. Moreover, BAA 58, or the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Districts Act of 2024, still includes Sulu in its parliamentary districts.

Since it is based on an outdated framework, with Ting citing the removal of Sulu from BARMM, the SC declared it cannot be reinstated. With this, the higher court recommended the passing of a “new and valid districting law,” consistent with the Bangsamoro Organic Law, national laws, and the Constitution.

“There can be no BARMM parliamentary elections on October 13, 2025, because of the lack of a valid districting law,” Ting stated.

COMELEC statement

COMELEC Chairman George Garcia released a statement on the matter shortly after its announcement, stating, “Now, it is very clear that we have no law to enforce. It’s back to zero for COMELEC.”

“But in the meantime, the ball is in the hands of the Bangsamoro Parliament. We shall be waiting for their action and compliance,” he added.