Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections Set for October 13, 2025: A Historic Step Towards Sovereignty and Governance

On October 13, 2025, the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) is scheduled to hold its first regular parliamentary elections, a landmark event marking a significant transition in governance and political maturity for the Bangsamoro people. This election is a crucial step towards solidifying the region’s autonomy and establishing a more stable, representative government, as stipulated by the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).

Since its establishment, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), is MILF led and predominantly composed of officials from the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF). This transition authority was tasked with paving the way for a full-fledged autonomous government, building institutions, and laying down the groundwork for self-governance.

The upcoming elections represent a shift from this provisional setup to a permanent, regularly functioning government, allowing the Bangsamoro people to directly elect their leaders and influence policy direction. This democratic exercise will help transform the MILF from a revolutionary organization into a political entity that actively participates in the region’s electoral processes.

To borrow the statement of MILF Chair of the Peace Implementing panel Mohagher Iqbal, that the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Election is a Battle of Principles , Status Quo vs. Forces of Change.

The upcoming elections are more than just a political event; they embody the contest between two opposing forces within the Bangsamoro community.

Forces of Status Quo: Forces of Status Qou: These consist of traditional politicians and elites who have benefited from the current system. They often resist change, preferring to uphold existing power structures and maintaining the status quo that sustains their influence and privileges. Supporters of the status quo argue that stability and continuity are essential for development.

Forces of Change: Advocates of systemic reform and moral governance underline the importance of transforming the political landscape for the long-term welfare of Bangsamoro. They push for transparent, accountable governance rooted in Islamic values, integrity, and service. They aim to uplift the marginalized, eradicate corruption, and promote social justice, all in accordance with their faith and the pursuit of Allah’s guidance.

This election symbolizes the collective aspiration of many Bangsamoro to chart a future based on justice, transparency, and genuine representation, rooted in their cultural and religious identity.

Historically, the MILF emerged as a revolutionary organization fighting for self-determination. Today, it is actively transforming into a social movement committed to peaceful advocacy and democratic participation. By participating in this electoral process, both as voters and candidates, the MILF is demonstrating its readiness to shift from armed struggle to political engagement.

This evolution signifies a mature approach to achieving their aspirations through lawful and democratic means. They advocate moral governance, aiming to ensure that regional leaders uphold Islamic principles of justice, fairness, and service to the community.

The October 2025 elections are a testament to the resilience and evolving identity of the Bangsamoro people balancing their cultural and religious heritage with modern statehood aspirations. It offers hope for sustained peace, stability, and socio-economic development as local leaders are chosen through free, fair, and transparent ballots.

Moreover, these elections serve as a pilot for the autonomy enshrined in the BOL, opening avenues for more inclusive representation, community participation, and the reinforcement of local governance.

As the date approaches, anticipation builds among the Bangsamoro populace, eager to exercise their right to choose their leaders and shape their destiny. The 2025 parliamentary elections symbolize more than political change; they embody the region’s journey towards self-determination, moral governance, and social justice. Whether driven by the forces of the status quo or the forces of change advocating for reform, this election is a pivotal chapter in the Bangsamoro’s ongoing quest for peace, sovereignty, and prosperity.

Let us pray for a peaceful, honest, and meaningful election that will serve the best interests of the Bangsamoro people, guided by faith, integrity, and a collective commitment to a brighter future.  (Note: This article is shared by BMN/BangsamoroToday with the author’s permission, Abdullah P. Salik, Jr.)