BARMM Chief Signs Redistricting Bill into Law

The Bangsamoro Redistricting Bill has officially become law after interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua signed it into effect, more than a month before the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

The measure, now enacted as Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 77, authorizes the redistribution of seven parliamentary seats previously allocated to the province of Sulu. These seats will be reallocated to the remaining provinces of BARMM as well as to the Special Geographic Area (SGA).

The legislation follows a Supreme Court ruling in November 2024, which ordered the exclusion of Sulu from the BARMM.

BTA Deputy Speaker Atty. Amenodin Sumagayan stressed the importance of the law to ensure that the regional parliament will remain composed of 80 members, as mandated, in time for the elections.

Sumagayan also emphasized that Sulu could still return to the BARMM in the future through a plebiscite. Should this happen, the law provides that the seven seats will once again be reassigned to the province.

“It’s not impossible that Sulu may come back,” Sumagayan said. “The law provides that if Sulu rejoins BARMM, at least seven seats shall be reallocated to them by Congress. We are not closing the door on Sulu’s future participation in the region.”

Philippine People's Press | In Truth We Prevail