The HB 10121, approved through a voice vote, aims to amend the Section 13 Article XVI of the Republic Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) which states that the first regular election in the region will be synchronized with 2022 national elections. (Photo from House of Representatives facebook page)
COTABATO CITY—The House of Representatives approved on second reading House Bill 10121 that seeks to reset the first regular election of the Bangsamoro region in 2022 to 2025 and extend the transition period during a plenary session on Monday evening, Sept. 13.
HB 10121 was jointly sponsored by Maguindanao Rep. Esmael Mangudadatu, chair of Special Committee on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity; Negros Occidental Rep. Juliet Marie Ferrer, chair of Committee on Suffrage and Electoral Reforms; and Lanao del Sur Rep. Ansaruddin Adul Malik Adiong, chair of Committee on Muslim Affairs.
The bill, approved through a voice vote, aims to amend the Section 13 Article XVI of the Republic Act 11054 or the Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) which states that the first regular election in the region will be synchronized with 2022 national elections.
During his sponsorship speech, Rep. Mangudadatu said that both the national government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) needs time to fulfill the promises and mandates promulgated under peace agreements.
The measure states that the Commission on elections, through the Bangsamoro Electoral Office, shall promulgate rules and regulations for the conduct of the elections, enforce and administer them pursuant to national laws, the Organic Law for BARMM, and the Bangsamoro Electoral Code.
Rep. Mangudadatu said the adverse effects of the current pandemic “slowed down” the MILF-led Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) in delivering their mandates as stated in RA 11054.
BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Balawag Ebrahim said the regional government gladly receives the passing of HB 10121 on second reading, saying it will help fulfilling the promises of the peace agreements.
“This development marks the other half of the efforts to legislate a law that can help fulfill the promises of the GPH-MILF peace process,” CM Ebrahim said.
Last week, the Senate approved on third and final reading Senate Bill 2214 which has similar purpose. (Bangsamoro Information Office)
