MANILA, Philippines — A coalition of political parties in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) commended the extension of the accreditation of regional political parties and sectoral organizations wanting to participate in the region’s first-ever parliamentary elections next year.
The deadline was originally set on June 7, but Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia confirmed with INQUIRER.net that it was extended.
READ: Garcia backs extending BARMM polls accreditation deadline
In a statement on Thursday, the BARMM Grand Coalition (BGC) called the extension a “triumph both for democracy and equitable representation.”
“On behalf of the people of the Bangsamoro region, we extend our deepest gratitude to Comelec for extending the accreditation period for political parties and sectoral organizations aspiring to participate in the 2025 BARMM parliamentary elections,” said BGC Chairperson and Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan, as quoted in the statement.
“This extension is not only a significant administrative decision but a monumental triumph for democracy and equitable representation within BARMM,” he added.
READ: Comelec asked to extend orgs’ registration period for BARMM 2025 polls
BGC, along with other groups, earlier called for the extension of the deadline for submission of requirements to give sectoral organizations more time to comply with accreditation requirements.
Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia then said that he supported the proposed extension.
READ: PH opens BARMM for energy exploration