3 weeks ago
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PRESIDENTIAL Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity Carlito Galvez Jr. commended President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for signing into law Republic Act (RA) 12123, which resets the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to Oct. 13, 2025.
"The passage of RA 12123 is a testament to the Marcos administration's unwavering determination to fulfill the commitments made by the national government under all signed peace agreements and bring sustainable development and long-lasting peace to our Bangsamoro brothers and sisters," Galvez said in a statement on Saturday.
Galvez also expressed gratitude to members of the House of Representatives and the Senate for swiftly passing the measure in response to calls from stakeholders in the Bangsamoro region.
The extension of the electoral timeline is expected to give the BARMM government additional time to address legal concerns stemming from the Supreme Court's decision to exclude the province of Sulu from the autonomous region.
Galvez emphasized that under Section 3 of RA 12123, the current BARMM government will continue to disburse Sulu's share of the region's Block Grant for 2025, ensuring the implementation of key programs in the province in accordance with the guidelines of the Department of Budget and Management.
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The upcoming election marks a crucial milestone in the Bangsamoro peace process, as it signifies the culmination of the political track under the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB), allowing the people of the region to elect their own leaders.
"The Opapru, together with its peace partners, joins the Bangsamoro people in preparing for this historic election, which is vital to the realization of long-term peace and governance in the region," Galvez said.
He underscored that the reset would allow both national and Bangsamoro governments to focus on ensuring a peaceful, credible, and orderly electoral process that truly reflects the aspirations of the Bangsamoro people.
