Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) leaders have been urged to move beyond political factionalism and build a shared vision for the region as its first elected Parliament prepares to take office.
Christopher Ryan Maboloc, an associate professor and researcher in philosophy and the social sciences, said the newly elected lawmakers face the challenge of building trust and finding common ground among political groups with different histories and interests.
His remarks came after the September 14 parliamentary elections, which marked the first time voters directly elected all 80 members of the Bangsamoro Parliament. The elected lawmakers are scheduled to assume office on October 30, formally ending the transition period that began when BARMM was established in 2019.
No political party won the 41 seats needed for a majority. The Bangsamoro Federalist Party secured 31 seats, while the United Bangsamoro Justice Party won 30. The BARMM Grand Coalition obtained 15 seats, while the Raayat Democratic Party and Pro-Bangsamoro Party each won one seat. Two seats were allocated to representatives of the Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples sector.
The results mean coalition-building will be necessary before Parliament can fully organize itself. The BFP needs at least 10 additional votes to reach a majority, while the UBJP needs 11.
Under the Bangsamoro Organic Law, Parliament will elect the chief minister rather than voters choosing the position directly. A candidate needs at least 41 votes from the 80-member chamber, with a runoff between the top two candidates if no one secures a majority in the initial vote.
Maboloc said the formation of alliances should extend beyond negotiations over political numbers. He emphasized the importance of finding common ground among groups shaped by different political and historical experiences while maintaining a focus on inclusive development, peace and governance.
The transition also represents a significant stage in the Bangsamoro peace process. The appointed Bangsamoro Transition Authority has governed the region since its creation, while the incoming Parliament will exercise legislative and oversight powers under the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
The September election recorded 2,018,478 voters, equivalent to an 84.34% turnout, according to the Commission on Elections’ Regional Board of Canvassers. The election was generally described as peaceful, although authorities reported several incidents, including a firefight in Shariff Saydona Mustapha and other election-related disturbances.
The first elected Parliament will also be responsible for passing regional laws, approving the Bangsamoro government’s budget and overseeing the executive branch.
As lawmakers prepare to assume office, the formation of coalitions and the selection of the next chief minister will be among the first major tests of BARMM’s new elected parliamentary system.
