Senator Alan Peter Cayetano expressed support for resetting the first regular elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to give the region more time to prepare for elections and foster peace.
Cayetano argued that if the country is truly committed to peace in the Muslim region, it would be more logical to delay the elections rather than hold them on May 11, 2025.
This is why the veteran legislator supports the measure (Senate Bill No. 2924 under Committee Report No. 466) which seeks to push back the BARMM elections to October 30, 2025.
“It would be more logical to give them this entire year to prepare for the elections and allow them to set long-term targets for their region and budget.”
“It would be more logical to give them this entire year to prepare for the elections and allow them to set long-term targets for their region and budget — targets that will shape the region in the next 5 to 10 years,” the seasoned lawmaker said during the plenary session.
The senator also urged support for the election postponement, noting that it could “save the government billions of pesos”.
“The election postponement could save the government billions of pesos.”
Despite being a vocal critic of the Bangsamoro Basic Law in the past, Cayetano emphasized his commitment to peace in the region.
“I’m glad that when we shook hands now with the Bangsamoro government, it was very warm because once upon a time we were debating harshly against each other,” Cayetano said.
He also acknowledged the significant pressure faced by BARMM ministers in implementing reforms in a region burdened by hardship.
“The reality is that if we go back to the status quo ante before the peace agreement, it would be dangerous for all of us,” Cayetano stressed.
“We need to stay invested in the peace process,” he added.
