SC halts reallocation of Sulu’s parliamentary seats in BARMM polls

The Supreme Court (SC) has stopped the reallocation of seven parliamentary seats originally assigned to Sulu Province in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao  (BARMM).

Photo Courtesy of ABS-CBN News

In a special en banc session on Monday, the SC issued a temporary restraining order (TRO) against the implementation of Bangsamoro Autonomy Act (BAA) 77, which sought to redistribute seats as part of the region’s parliamentary reorganization following Sulu’s exclusion from BARMM in September 2024.

The TRO came after petitions were filed by Lanang Ali Jr., Alim Amate, Samsodin Amella, Najer Eppie, Datuan Magon Jr., Mangontawar Macacuna, Abdullah Macapaar, Maulana Mamutuk, and Nasif Marangit.

The Court consolidated the cases and directed the Commission on Elections (Comelec), the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), and other concerned agencies to submit their comments within five days.

Petitioners argued that the reallocation violated the Voter’s Registration Act, citing changes in precinct assignments during the election period and stressing the constitutional requirement for “free, orderly, honest, peaceful, and credible” elections.

Comelec chair George Erwin Garcia acknowledged the impact of the ruling, warning that it could disrupt preparations for the first BARMM parliamentary elections in October.

“Kaagad po nating pag-aaralan ang epekto nito sa halalan ng Oktubre 13 at kung kailangan ba kami tumigil sa paghahanda,” Garcia said.