Republic Act No. 12317

[ REPUBLIC ACT NO. 12317, March 25, 2026 ]

AN ACT RESETTING THE FIRST REGULAR ELECTIONS IN THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO, AMENDING FOR THE PURPOSE SECTION 13, ARTICLE XVI OF REPUBLIC ACT NO. 11054, AS AMENDED, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE "ORGANIC LAW FOR THE BANGSMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO"

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the Philippines in Congress assembled:

Section 1. Section 13, Article XVI, of Republic Act No. 11054, otherwise known as the "Organic Law for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao," as amended, is hereby further amended to read as follows:

Section 2. Holdover. - During the extension of the transition period, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) shall continue as the interim government in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), unless such interim members are replaced by the President or their tenure is shortened by their election to a different office. The interim members of the BTA shall serve until their successors shall have been elected and qualified in an automated election.

Section 3. Use of Automated Election System. - Pursuant to this Act, the automated election system employed during the 12 May 2025 National and Local Elections shall likewise be employed for the conduct of the first BARMM Parliamentary Elections. This includes all machines, devices, equipment, and supplies used, as well as the service providers involved in their operation and maintenance.

Section 4. Filing of Certificate of Candidacy. - There shall be a new period for the filing of certificates of candidacy for parliamentary district representatives and the list of nominees and certificated of acceptance of nomination with affidavits of non-affinity by duly accredited political parties or coalitions thereof: Provided, That those filed from 4 to 9 November 2024 must be refiled within the new period set: Provided, further, That the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) shall have the authority to issue appropriate rules and guidelines therefor: Provided, finally, That substitution of candidates or nominees shall not be allowed, except in cases of death or disqualification, pursuant to the rules and guidelines promulgated by the COMELEC.

Section 5. Qualified Voters. - All qualified voters registered in the permanent list in a precinct of the city or municipality within the BARMM based on the latest Election Registration Board hearing shall be entitled to vote in the BARMM Parliamentary Elections.

Section 6. Assumption of Office and Opening of the Session of Parliament. - For the purpose of the first BARMM Parliamentary Elections, the term of office of the officials first elected shall start at noon on the 30th day of October 2026 and shall end at noon on the 30th day of June 2031. Beginning 2031, the elected officials shall assume office at noon on the 30th day of June following their election.

The Parliament shall hold its regular session on the days immediately following the elected officials' assumption of office.

Section 7. Appropriations. - The amount necessary for the implementation of this Act shall be charged against any available appropriations of the COMELEC. The BARMM Government may provide additional funding, subject to existing budgeting, accounting, and auditing laws, rules and regulations.

Section 8. Separability Clause. - If any part or provision of this Act is held unconstitutional or invalid, the remainder thereof not otherwise affected shall remain in full force and effect.

Section 9. Repealing Clause. - is hereby repealed. All laws, decrees, orders, and issuances, or portions thereof that are inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, are hereby repealed, amended, or modified accordingly.

Section 10. Effectivity. - This Act shall take effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette or in a newspaper of general circulation.

Approved,

This Act, which is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 1823 and House Bill No. 8220, was passed by the Senate of the Philippines and the House of Representatives on March 17, 2026.

Approved: MAR 24 2026

FERDINAND ROMUALDEZ MARCOS JR.
President of the Philippines