QUEZON CITY - Secretary Carlito Galvez of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) reaffirmed the Marcos administration's dedication to the Bangsamoro peace process during the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City.
According to Philippines News Agency, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has consistently emphasized that his government will uphold the commitments outlined in all signed peace agreements, with particular focus on the Bangsamoro agreement. Galvez noted the administration's efforts to ensure that the first regional elections for the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) in 2025 will be conducted peacefully, orderly, and credibly. He highlighted the President's frequent visits to the BARMM as part of these efforts.
In conjunction with Galvez's assurances, Bangsamoro Cabinet Secretary Mohd Asnin Pendatun expressed high anticipation and participation for the upcoming first parliamentary elections in BARMM next year. He reported that 16 political parties have already registered with the Bangsamoro Commission on Elections, and voter education campaigns are intensifying to improve public understanding of the electoral process.
Pendatun stressed the importance of these preparations, characterizing them as the "final pieces of the puzzle" to ensure comprehensive participation in the region’s first parliamentary elections, acknowledging a general lack of public awareness about the changes from previous electoral processes to the new parliamentary system.
The historic Bangsamoro parliamentary elections, scheduled for May 12, 2025, will elect successors to the interim members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority Parliament.