BTA pushes transparent districting bill talks for 2026 BARMM election

The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament has advanced a transparent and participatory joint public consultation on the proposed districting bills for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).

These bills will serve as the foundational law for the first-ever Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections next year.

The consultation, led by Member of Parliament (MP) Butch Malang, was held in Midsayap, North Cotabato, and attended by leaders from the Special Geographic Area (SGA) of BARMM.

Malang stressed that the consultation reflects a commitment to transparent governance and inclusive decision-making.

“This consultation is not merely a procedural requirement. It is a commitment to transparent governance, inclusive decision-making, and genuine public participation. Values at the heart of the Bangsamoro's pursuit of lasting peace through moral governance,” Malang said.

He reiterated that redistricting involves more than just drawing lines on a map, describing it as a process crucial for representation, service delivery, and equitable development.

“It is about representation, service delivery, equitable development, and ensuring that every community, large or small, has a fair and effective voice in the Bangsamoro Parliament. We are shaping structures that will influence the region for years, even generations to come,” he said.

The Parliament cited that the success of the districting bills depends heavily on active community engagement, particularly in the SGA, where leaders highlighted the importance of thoroughly consulting residents.

Officials affirmed that all viewpoints, from local government units to sectoral representatives, would be heard and considered in consolidating the districting bills. Malang assured the public that their sentiments would be brought before the Parliament as part of the legislative process.

Malang cited at the close of the consultation that it is now almost certain the SGA-BARMM will be allotted two seats in the future Parliament, as five of the six pending bills support the two-seat model for the region.

The event featured messages from local leaders and MPs, all calling for unity, cooperation, and an informed public voice as BARMM moves toward finalizing its district configurations.