SC stops Comelec from holding plebiscites for 3 new BARMM towns

Inquirer file photos

MANILA, Philippines — The Supreme Court (SC) on Tuesday ruled to stop the Commission on Elections (Comelec) from holding plebiscites on September 7 and 21 for the creation of three new municipalities in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

In a press briefing, SC spokesperson Camille Ting said the High Court “declared unconstitutional Section 5 in Bangsamoro Autonomy Act Nos. 53, 54, and 55, which states ‘qualified voters in a plebiscite to be conducted in the barangays comprising the municipality pursuant to Section 2 hereof.’”

READ: Plebiscite creating new BARMM towns bodes well for 2025 polls – BPP

The SC ruled that qualified voters from the “new and mother municipalities” should be included in the plebiscite.

“The prayer for injunctive relief is also granted. Accordingly, a final prohibitory injunction is issued, effective immediately,” she added.

“Respondent Commission on Elections is enjoined to desist from holding plebiscites on September 7 and 21, 2024, and from performing any and all acts related to the ratification of Bangsamoro Autonomy Act Nos. 53, 54, and 55,” Ting said.

In a message sent to reporters, Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia said they would “immediately comply upon notice.”

Asked if there were already expenses incurred in preparation for the plebiscite, Garcia said there were.

“There were [incurred expenses]. The budget coming from the Bangsamoro [government],” he said.