‘Energy woes may affect BARMM poll preparations’

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March 27, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The energy problem brought by the war in the Middle East may affect preparations for the conduct of the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), according to the Commission on Elections.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the energy problem may threaten key aspects of election readiness, particularly logistics, allocation of resources and public engagement.

Garcia said the volatile fuel prices and supply may affect the cost of election materials and operations, including the transport of equipment and personnel across the autonomous region.

He said the crisis may divert public attention away from the electoral process, thereby affecting voter awareness and participation.

“The most significant factors at present are the ongoing energy crisis and the conflict in the Middle East. While these may appear to be matters concerning energy supply, fuel and crude oil in the global market, their impact is more pronounced domestically,” Garcia said.

He said the Comelec must ensure that the Bangsamoro people can choose their leaders properly.

On Wednesday, President Marcos signed a measure moving the first BARMM parliamentary election to Sept. 14.

Republic Act (RA) 12317 mandates that the next BARMM election will be held on the second Monday of May 2031, and every three years thereafter to synchronize the regional electoral exercise with the general elections.

In the wake of the energy crisis, the Comelec has undertaken steps to conserve resources including suspension and cancellation of non-essential activities such as election expositions, international forums and internal events.

Garcia said the decision is in compliance with Malacañang’s call to conserve energy and to show solidarity with Filipinos affected by the situation.

He said the Comelec would implement a work-from-home arrangement every Monday from April 6 to 27.

Voter registration and other frontline services will continue from Tuesday to Saturday, the Comelec said.

Aside from the BARMM parliamentary election, the Comelec is also preparing for the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on Nov. 2.

Garcia gave assurance that the Comelec will not compromise key election priorities, particularly the compensation of teachers who will serve in the polls.

Meanwhile, Speaker Faustino Dy III and Rep. Zia Adiong of Lanao del Sur welcomed the rescheduling of the BARMM election.

RA 12317 is a consolidation of Senate Bill 1823 and House Bill 8220 passed on March 17.

Dy described the signing of the measure as a crucial step toward a more stable and credible democratic transition in the autonomous region.

“The signing of this law strengthens the foundation of the Bangsamoro political system and ensures that the first BARMM parliamentary election is conducted in a credible, orderly and well-prepared manner,” Dy said in a statement.

Adiong, chairman of the House committee on suffrage and electoral reforms, said that RA 12317 is a landmark legislation that strengthens democratic governance in the BARMM. — Jose Rodel Clapano