THE Office of the President (OP) announced on Thursday that the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) will continue to serve as the official governing body of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) following the suspension of the regional elections.
The announcement followed the Supreme Court’s (SC) decision to postpone the Bangsamoro polls, originally scheduled for October 13, 2025, to a date no later than March 31, 2026.
Under Republic Act No. 12123, the BTA retains full powers and authority throughout the extended transition period until new officials are duly elected or appointed.
The OP clarified that there is no need for a formal reappointment, as current BTA members will continue in their posts by operation of law until they are replaced or succeeded.
The Office of the President also reaffirmed that any changes in the BTA’s composition during this transition period remain under its authority, in accordance with existing laws.
“This will ensure the continuity of governance, legal stability, and an orderly transition in the Bangsamoro,” the OP said, citing consistency with the Bangsamoro Organic Law, Republic Act No. 12123, and the Supreme Court’s ruling in Ali v. COMELEC.
The OP further emphasized its continued commitment to peace, self-governance, and inclusive development in the Bangsamoro region.
The Supreme Court earlier ordered the postponement of the BARMM elections and declared unconstitutional the Bangsamoro Autonomy Acts (BAAs) 58 and 77, which pertained to the region’s legislative districting.