MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec), together with government security forces and partner agencies, is continuing full-scale preparations for the first Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections scheduled on Sept. 14, 2026, despite pending legislative measures that could affect the polls.
Speaking during a command conference for the upcoming elections, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the poll body remains committed to ensuring the successful conduct of the Bangsamoro elections as scheduled.
“As long as the Comelec is concerned, wala na pong makakapigil sa halalan sa Bangsamoro sa September 14. Tuloy na tuloy po ito (nothing can stop the Bangsamoro election. It’s a go),” Garcia said.
He stressed that election preparations would continue while Congress deliberates on pending proposals related to the polls, noting that lawmakers have the final authority on such measures.
“Although we are aware that there are pending legislative proposals, that is within the discretion of Congress. They have the final say,” he said.
Garcia said the Comelec, security forces, and other government agencies would not suspend preparations while awaiting any legislative action.
“Comelec, together with our security forces and other government agencies, continues to carry out our preparations,” he added.
The Comelec chief said the conduct of command conferences reflects the government's readiness not only for the Bangsamoro polls but also for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections scheduled in November.
The Sept. 14 elections will mark a major milestone in the political transition of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao, where voters will elect members of the Bangsamoro Parliament under the region's parliamentary system.
Election and security officials have been holding coordination meetings, command conferences, and operational planning activities to strengthen electoral security, logistics, and inter-agency coordination across the region.
Officials said preparations remain on track as election day approaches, with government agencies focused on ensuring an orderly, peaceful, and credible electoral exercise in the Bangsamoro region.
