Marcos tells BARMM parliament to make its first elections in 2025 historic

President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. with Minister Akmad Brahim of  Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao and Energy Sec. Raphael P.M. Lotilla during the signing of the Intergovernmental Energy Board (IEB) Circular on Joint Award of Petroleum Service Contracts (PSCs) and Coal Operating Contracts (COCs) in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) at Malacañang on Wednesday, July 6, 2023. (File photo KJ Rosales/PPA Pool)

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. on Thursday urged leaders of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) to have a successful 2025 elections.

Marcos addressed BARMM leaders during the 17th Meeting of the National Government – Bangsamoro Government Intergovernmental Relations Body in Pasay city.

BARMM Parliament is set to have its very first elections in 2025, the very first of its kind in the region.

“The preparations we have made will be tested in May 2025, when we will hold the very first elections for the BARMM Parliament,” said Marcos.

“Giving the vote to the people to choose their leaders is the logical succession, evolution, to the grant of self-rule to your land,” he noted.

“I urge all of you, and we will be by your side, to make this very historic election, this very historical and important event a success. Let us show the world that it is peaceful and it is credible,” he added.

Marcos also said it is important not to allow voters to be disenfranchised by violence, intimidation, and bribery.

“You are ripe, you are ready. And so, this early, let me commend the peacekeepers who are here for their untiring spadework, for building, out of the ashes of war, the magnificent edifice of peace that is BARMM, building it brick by brick,” Marcos told BARMM leaders.