MANILA — The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has officially released the comprehensive guidelines for the first regular parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

 

Formalized through Resolution No. 11203 and issued via Memorandum No. 260287 on March 6, 2026, the new Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR) provide the definitive legal and operational roadmap for the 2026 polls.

 

The 60-page document operationalizes the Bangsamoro Electoral Code of 2023 (Bangsamoro Autonomy Act No. 35), incorporating critical amendments from BAA No. 88. The IRR establishes the procedures for a unique parliamentary system, shifting away from the traditional localized elective structure toward a party-centered model.

 

Key Highlights of the IRR

  • Parliamentary Composition: The rules govern the election of 80 Members of Parliament (MPs), divided into:

    • 40 Party Representatives: Elected through a system of proportional representation.

    • 32 District Representatives: Elected from newly apportioned single-member parliamentary districts.

    • 8 Reserved Seats: Allocated for sectoral representatives, including Non-Moro Indigenous Peoples (NMIP), Settler Communities, Women, Youth, ‘Ulama, and Traditional Leaders.

  • Political Party Discipline: In a move to strengthen the party system, the IRR provides strict definitions and consequences for "turncoatism," penalizing elected representatives who change party affiliation during their term.

  • Gender and Inclusivity: Regional Parliamentary Political Parties (RPPPs) are now mandated to ensure that at least 30% of their nominees are women, with a recommendation that one woman be included in every three consecutive names on the party list.

  • Administrative Oversight: The document outlines the expanded powers of the Bangsamoro Electoral Office (BEO) and the Bangsamoro Registration and Accreditation Committee (BRAC), which will manage the vetting of all regional parties and sectoral groups.

 

The IRR specifically addresses recent landmark legal developments. Most notably, it reflects the September 2024 Supreme Court ruling that excluded the Province of Sulu from the BARMM. It also integrates the 2025 judicial decisions that necessitated the new districting and apportionment plan following the declaration of previous acts as unconstitutional.

 

The publication of the IRR marks the final transition from transitionary governance to a permanent, autonomous parliamentary democracy. By establishing clear rules on everything from candidate qualifications to ballot design and dispute resolution, the COMELEC aims to ensure a transparent, peaceful, and credible election in 2026.

 

The Commission has directed the immediate general circulation of the rules to allow parties and sectoral organizations sufficient time to comply with registration and accreditation requirements.