IPIL, Philippines (AP) โ The Office of the President on Thursday affirmed that members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) will continue to serve as the interim government of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) until elected officials assume office, following the Supreme Courtโs decision to postpone regional parliamentary elections originally scheduled for Oct. 13.
Under Republic Act No. 12123, the BTA retains full powers and authority during the extended transition period, which now runs until no later than March 31, 2026. Malacaรฑang clarified that no formal reappointment is necessary, as current membersโappointed by the Presidentโremain in office by operation of law.
BTA and Continuity of Governance
โThe holdover ensures continuity of governance, legal stability and an orderly transition in the Bangsamoro,โ the Palace said in a statement.
A random survey indicated broad support among BTA members for the extension. Member of Parliament Naguib Sinarimbo welcomed the clarification, saying it โenhances the stability of the region at this critical time.โ
Deputy Speaker Omar Yasser Sema, representing the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), said the decision was expected and aligned with the groupโs call for consistency in the peace and transition process.
โWe are confident that the President is guided by the collective idea that the peace process is not only hinged on the conduct of elections but on firming up the democratic process with a constitutionally sound system and laws,โ Sema said.
He added that the holdover mandate signals the Presidentโs expectation for BTA members to remain active and fulfill their duties until successors are elected or appointed.
No Valid Districting Law
The regional parliament now faces the urgent task of passing a law to establish parliamentary districts in Tawi-Tawi, Basilan, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Cotabato City and the Special Geographic Area. Thirty-two of the 80 parliamentary seats will be filled through elections in these districts.
The Supreme Court cited the absence of a valid districting law as the reason for postponing the October elections.
Newly elected Speaker Mohammad Yacob has pledged to prioritize the passage of the districting law to ensure the elections proceed as mandated.
The BTA was formed in February 2019 following the ratification of the Bangsamoro Organic Law. Its members are appointed by the President. The first batch was named by former President Rodrigo Duterte, followed by appointments from President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in September 2022 and again in March this year.
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