MILF Vice Chairman Iqbal: UBJP Ready Whether BARMM Elections Push Through or Not
COTABATO CITY (September 23, 2025) — Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) Vice Chairman Mohagher Iqbal assured the public that their camp is prepared for any possible outcome regarding the upcoming elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)—whether it proceeds as scheduled or is postponed.
“May eleksyon, walang eleksyon, naghandaan na lang kami,” ani Iqbal sa isang panayam. “Kung matuloy ang eleksyon, tuloy ang kampanya. Kung hindi, may plano pa rin kami, (Whether there’s an election or not, we are prepared,” Iqbal said in an interview. “If the elections push through, we will campaign. If not, we still have a plan.”
Iqbal emphasized that the MILF and its political party, the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), have a clear direction: to participate in the democratic process and to remain responsive to any legal decision that may arise.
Despite the varying legal opinions from different lawyers regarding the elections, Iqbal noted that only the Supreme Court holds the authority to make the final interpretation.
“Mga abogado, iba-iba ng pananaw. Pero sa huli, Supreme Court pa rin ang magpapasya, (Lawyers may have different opinions, but in the end, it’s the Supreme Court that will decide),” he stressed.
Iqbal also called on the Bangsamoro people to take an active role in the electoral process, saying that voting is not only a right but also a civic duty.
“Karapatan natin ang bumoto. Dito natin pipiliin ang mga lider na maglilingkod sa atin. Dapat tayong lumahok—babae man o lalaki, (Voting is our right. It is through this process that we choose the leaders who will serve us. Everyone must participate—both men and women),”he added.
He further underscored the importance of holding clean, transparent, and credible elections to uphold public trust in the leaders who will be elected.
As of now, the MILF-UBJP remains watchful and ready to respond to forthcoming actions and announcements from the national government and the Supreme Court regarding the future of the elections in BARMM. (Hannan G. Ariman, BMN/BangsamoroToday)
