The SC has yet to rule on their petitions for a temporary restraining order (TRO) or writ of preliminary injunction. Since there is no TRO as of the moment, the plebiscite should proceed or can proceed,” Marquez said, referring to the Commission on Elections. Calida argued that the law signed by President Duterte in July last year, which created the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (BAR), did not exactly create a new autonomous region as described in the Constitution, but an amendment of the organic act and expansion of the territorial jurisdiction of ARMM. Calida said the BOL complied with the requirement for the governmental setup of an autonomous region as provided under the Constitution. Problem areasThree areas – Cotabato City, Isabela City in Basilan and the province of Lanao del Norte – are expected to encounter major challenges during the conduct of the BOL plebiscite, authorities said yesterday.

Source: Philippine Star January 08, 2019 16:04 UTC