“If we truly desire peace, let the Bangsamoro people freely choose their own leaders through the elections in May 2025.”
This was the firm statement of Deputy Minority Leader and Basilan Representative Mujiv Hataman as he voiced strong opposition to the bicameral conference committee’s decision to reschedule the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections from May 12 to October 13, 2025. Hataman emphasized that the people of BARMM deserve to exercise their sacred right to vote without further delay.
Having participated in the bicameral discussions, Hataman refused to sign the committee report, standing by his belief that postponing the elections undermines democratic processes and alters the constitutionally mandated term of office for elected officials.
“Hindi tayo sang-ayon sa pagpapaliban ng eleksyon dahil ito ay isang mahalagang proseso sa ating demokrasya. Dapat nang ipagkaloob sa mga mamamayan ng BARMM ang kanilang karapatang bumoto at pumili ng kanilang mga magiging pinuno,” Hataman declared.
He underscored the importance of accountability in governance, stressing that after more than six years of transition, it is time for the people of BARMM to elect their leaders directly.
“Sapat na ang mahigit anim na taon ng transition. Ang eleksyon ay isang paraan upang magkaroon ng pananagutan sa mamamayan ang kung sino man ang mamamahala sa BARMM. Hindi natin pwedeng gawing normal ang patuloy na pagpapaliban ng halalan,” he added.
Hataman also raised concerns about the shortened term of office for officials who will be elected in October 2025. Under the bicameral-approved version, these officials will serve only until June 30, 2028, cutting short the standard three-year term.
“Ang mandato ng ating Saligang Batas ay malinaw: tatlong taon ang termino ng mga halal na opisyal sa lokal na pamahalaan. Pero sa panukalang ito, hindi nila matatapos ang kanilang full term,” Hataman argued, warning that this contradicts constitutional provisions on the tenure of local officials.
He stressed the need for clear mandates and sufficient time for elected leaders to implement their programs effectively:
“Hindi natin maaaring baliwalain ang itinakda ng Saligang Batas. Kung may eleksyon, dapat may malinaw na mandato. Dapat may sapat na panahon ang mga halal na opisyal upang maipatupad ang kanilang mga programa,” he said.
Moreover, Hataman warned that repeated delays in the BARMM elections could erode trust in democratic institutions:
“Ang demokrasya ay nakasalalay sa regular at malaya na halalan. Ang patuloy na pag-antala sa eleksyon ay isang maling precedent at maaaring magdulot ng kawalan ng tiwala sa ating electoral system,” he noted.
Reiterating his opposition to extending the BARMM transition period, Hataman emphasized that the region’s people must be given the opportunity to elect their leaders in 2025:
“Malinaw ang nakasaad sa batas na dapat may eleksyon na sa 2025. Hindi natin dapat ipagpaliban muli ang pagkakataon ng ating mga kababayan na pumili ng kanilang magiging kinatawan sa gobyerno,” he added.
Despite his strong stance against the election postponement, Hataman welcomed certain key provisions included from the House version of the bill. These include funding allocations for Sulu from the 2025 block grant and the assurance of automated elections in BARMM.
“Bagama’t hindi tayo sang-ayon sa pagpapaliban ng eleksyon, nagpapasalamat tayo sa bicameral committee sa pagsang-ayon sa ating panukala na bigyan ng pondo ang Sulu sa 2025 mula sa block grant at tiyakin na automated ang eleksyon sa BARMM,” Hataman said.
He highlighted the significance of these provisions for the people of Sulu, ensuring the continuous delivery of government services and programs:
“Mahalaga ito para sa ating mga kababayan sa Sulu para siguruhin na patuloy ang serbisyo at programa ng pamahalaan para sa mamamayan,” he concluded.
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