COTABATO CITY (October 19) — The power to choose the next Bangsamoro Chief Minister rests with the region’s 80-member elected Parliament, where a 46-member majority coalition has emerged ahead of the October 30 transition to a regular government. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has affirmed Parliament’s authority to determine the region’s leadership under the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
Bangsamoro Interim Chief Minister Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua welcomed Marcos’ October 14 statement, describing it as recognition of the region’s autonomy and the democratic mandate of its newly elected lawmakers.
In a statement, Macacua thanked the President for respecting the Bangsamoro’s political institutions and Parliament’s authority to determine its leadership under Republic Act No. 11054, or the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
“Respecting the authority of the Bangsamoro Parliament to determine its own leadership and direction in accordance with the Bangsamoro Organic Law, is a clear demonstration of statesmanship, political maturity, and genuine respect for the democratic will of the Bangsamoro people,” Macacua said.
He said the regional government must protect and strengthen its autonomy through moral governance.
Marcos announced on October 14 that the national government recognizes the formation of a 46-member majority coalition in the Bangsamoro Parliament and respects its authority to establish the next regional government. He said the national government would work with the administration formally constituted by Parliament.
The development marks a critical stage in the transition of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which held its first regular parliamentary elections on September 14. The vote marked a major step away from the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), the interim governing body established in 2019, toward a regular government chosen through elections.
Under the Bangsamoro Organic Law, Parliament will elect the Chief Minister, who will head the regional executive branch. The candidate must secure the support of at least 41 of the 80 members.
The 46-member coalition has enough seats to meet that threshold if its members remain united. However, its formation alone does not determine who will become Chief Minister. Parliament must formally elect the region’s next leader and constitute the government.
According to the Presidential Communications Office, voter turnout in the September 14 elections reached 84.34 percent, with 2,018,478 voters casting their ballots. The Bangsamoro Federalist Party won 16 regional party seats, followed by the United Bangsamoro Justice Party with 15 and the BARMM Grand Coalition with eight.
The 80 elected members are scheduled to assume office at noon on October 30, 2026, under Republic Act No. 12317, which reset the schedule for the region’s first regular parliamentary elections.
Macacua said the Bangsamoro government would continue working with the national government, civil society and other stakeholders to advance peace and inclusive, sustainable development. He also called for unity and mutual respect as the region enters its next political chapter.
But the transition’s significance extends beyond the formation of a majority coalition or the election of a new Chief Minister. The incoming government will inherit responsibilities tied to peace implementation, public services, economic development and accountable regional governance
