COTABATO CITY(November 4) — A major power shift has taken place in the Bangsamoro region as Abdulraof “Sammy Gambar” Macacua defeated longtime regional leader Ahod Balawag Ebrahim in the first regular Bangsamoro Parliament, ushering in a new political leadership that he has vowed will govern beyond party lines.
Macacua, who secured 51 votes against Ebrahim’s 27, with one abstention, pledged to work with lawmakers across political affiliations and serve all Bangsamoro constituents, including those who opposed his election, as the region enters a new chapter of parliamentary self-governance.
In a statement issued on October 30, Macacua said his administration would work with all members of Parliament and Bangsamoro constituents, regardless of political affiliation, to advance their common aspirations for peace, justice, and development.
“As I accept the responsibility entrusted to me by Parliament, I do so with humility and a deep sense of duty—not only to those who supported my election, but to every Member of Parliament and every Bangsamoro citizen,” Macacua said.
His pledge comes at a defining moment for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), which is transitioning from an interim administration to its first regular parliamentary government following the region’s first parliamentary elections on September 14, 2026.
Macacua said the inaugural parliamentary session was more than a contest for leadership positions. It demonstrated the capacity of institutions built through years of struggle, peace negotiations, and the pursuit of self-governance.
He also credited President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for attending the historic proceedings and supporting the Bangsamoro peace process.
Macacua recognized the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, peace mechanisms, government agencies, international development partners, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders for helping ensure a peaceful transition.
He particularly acknowledged the cooperation of the Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP), the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), and other political groups, saying political competition should not stand in the way of collective governance.
“Despite our political differences, we have demonstrated that democratic competition and mutual respect can go hand in hand. This is the spirit we must continue to uphold as we move forward together,” he said.
Seventy-nine of the 80 members of Parliament attended the October 30 inaugural session in Cotabato City, where Macacua secured 51 votes against Ebrahim’s 27, with one abstention.
His election marked the culmination of the transition to a regular parliamentary system, in which lawmakers choose the head of government from among themselves rather than through a separate regional gubernatorial election.
Under Republic Act 11054, or the Bangsamoro Organic Law, a chief minister must obtain the votes of a majority of all 80 members of Parliament, or at least 41 votes.
The first regular parliamentary elections recorded 2,018,478 voters, representing an 84.34 percent turnout, according to the Commission on Elections’ Regional Board of Canvassers.
The 80-member Parliament comprises 40 regional parliamentary political party representatives, 32 district representatives, and eight sectoral representatives.
The BFP secured 31 seats, narrowly ahead of the UBJP with 30. The BARMM Grand Coalition won eight seats, while Serbisyong Inklusibo Alyansang Progresibo obtained six.
Meanwhile, Amer Zaakaria Rakim was elected Parliament Speaker with 51 votes, defeating former interim speaker Mohammad Yacob, who received 27.
Macacua said the leadership elections should mark the beginning of a shared commitment among lawmakers to deliver on the region’s development agenda.
“The election has concluded, but our shared responsibility continues. Whatever our political affiliations, we remain partners in the same Bangsamoro project, united by our common aspirations for peace, justice, and progress,” he said.
The first regular Bangsamoro Parliament is expected to serve a five-year term until June 30, 2031.
For millions of Bangsamoro residents, however, the transition to a regular parliamentary government carries expectations that go beyond a change in leadership. They are looking for a government that can translate promises of inclusive governance into tangible improvements in their daily lives—from better access to education, healthcare, jobs, and basic services to lasting peace, greater accountability, and more equitable development.
Macacua’s leadership will ultimately be measured not only by how well he manages political alliances but by whether the new government can deliver a more peaceful, just, and prosperous Bangsamoro for all.
