Senator Christopher “Bong” Go expressed support for a bill that would reset the first regular elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to September 2026, citing the need to preserve peace, consolidate gains from the transition, and maintain congressional support for the region’s development.
Speaking on the Senate floor on Tuesday, 10 February 2026, Go said the move is part of broader efforts to reinforce the Bangsamoro transition under the legislative framework of the Bangsamoro Organic Law. He voiced support for Majority Leader Senator Migz Zubiri, the measure’s sponsor.
Recalling the security challenges in Mindanao before the transition, Go said addressing peace and order was a top priority during the Duterte administration. “Naaalala ko noon, talagang problema ang peace and order sa Mindanao. Talaga pong magulo talaga doon. Kaya naman po isa sa mga naging prayoridad ni dating Pangulong Rodrigo Duterte ang pagsulong sa mga karapatan ng mga kababayan natin sa BARMM. We want to have a just, inclusive and long-lasting peace in Mindanao. Yan naman po ang aming pinangarap noon pa sa Mindanao – katahimikan po,” he said.
Go credited the Bangsamoro Organic Law for establishing institutional arrangements that laid the groundwork for self-governance and long-term stability. He stressed that the region’s development depends on continued legislative attention. “Nagsimula na po ang BARMM, at kailangan nito ang patuloy na suporta ng Kongreso para tuluyang maging matagumpay,” he said.
Go said postponing the elections is meant to strengthen peace and development across Mindanao. “Hindi lang para sa mga kapatid nating Moro, kundi para sa buong Mindanao,” he added.
Zubiri highlighted Go’s long-standing role in the Bangsamoro legislation, recalling his involvement during his time as Special Assistant to the President following the Marawi siege. Zubiri recounted how Go’s interventions helped ensure the passage of the revised Bangsamoro Basic Law, later enacted as the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
“Finally, Secretary Senator Bong Go, we hope that there will be an announcement this September and we have a final birth to a new set of elected parliamentarians at the BARMM,” Zubiri said.