Group seeks SC help in resolving BARMM poll issues

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May 4, 2026 | 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — A group from the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao called on the Supreme Court to resolve issues related to the BARMM elections in September.

In a manifestation filed on April 29, the Alliance for Moral Advancement and New BARMM for All or AMANA asked the high court to act on their previous petition challenging the Bangsamoro Authority Act (BAA) 86, which pertains to the redistricting or allocation of seats for members of the regional parliament.

The petition also challenges a provision in BAA 88, specifically on the accreditation of political parties.

AMANA members Sultan Alim Saad Amate and Maulana Mamutuk alleged that BAA 86 “might dilute the political voice or votes coming from Marawi City, Lanao del Sur and across the region.”

Amate and Mamutuk also objected to BAA 88, saying the measure forces political parties already registered to register again with the Commission on Elections.

“A duly registered political party cannot be made to register twice,” AMANA said in a statement, noting that the rule has made uncertain the accreditation of the United Bangsamoro Justice Party.

The UBJP is a political party affiliated with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front or MILF.

“The peace process moved the MILF from armed struggle to the ballot. That should concern every Bangsamoro voter and every Filipino who supported the peace agreement,” the AMANA said.

Mamutuk told radio dzXL that due process must prevail over questions on UBJP’s application for accreditation as he appealed to the authorities to refrain from turning technical rules into a weapon against political opponents.