Comelec stops BARMM poll preparations

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has halted all ongoing preparations for the first-ever parliamentary election in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao following a Supreme Court (SC) order stopping the redistricting of the BARMM.

- By MAYEN JAYMALIN

Comelec Chairman George Garcia yesterday said it was uncertain if the parliamentary elections would push through as scheduled in October or be reset.

In compliance with a temporary restraining order (TRO) issued by the high tribunal, the Comelec approved a resolution suspending all preparations for district, sectoral and party representative elections in the Bangsamoro region.

Poll preparations will remain suspended until the SC lifts the TRO or resolves the validity of the Bangsamoro Autonomy Act 77.

“The Comelec is obliged to implement the BAA 77, which mandates the election of 80 parliament representatives, contrary to what we are preparing,” Garcia said.

“The TRO stops the implementation of a valid law. I am not saying it is useless or unconstitutional... it merely mandates not to implement the law while a study on its legality is ongoing.”

Palace to comply with SC ruling