Zubiri files bill to reset BARMM pollsMANILA, Philippines — Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri has filed a bill seeking to reset the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao’s first parliamentary elections to March 30, citing the long-delayed exercise of the region’s right to elect its own leaders. Zubiri filed Senate Bill 1587, which proposes to amend Article XVI, Section 13 of Republic Act No. 11054, or the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL). Under the measure, officials elected in the 2026 polls would assume office at noon of April 30 following the election. The bill also provides that subsequent BARMM elections be synchronized with the 2028 national and local polls and every three years thereafter.

Source: Philippine Star January 18, 2026 16:32 UTC