The postponement of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections has cost the government nearly P800 million, according to Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chair George Erwin Garcia.
Garcia highlighted that over P500 million of this expenditure was incurred before the elections were initially delayed, primarily on logistics, including printing ballots and leasing voting machines.
Financial Implications of Delayed Elections
While attending a briefing in Marawi City, Garcia stated, "The postponement was not our decision, but it is necessary to proceed as the financial impact is significant."
- First Bangsamoro elections were set for May 2025.
- Postponed to October 13, 2025, and then to September 14, 2026.
The elections have been moved twice due to legislative actions, with Republic Act 12123 and the more recent RA 12317 signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on March 25, 2026.
The Comelec plans to use Starlink technology to ensure prompt transmission of election results, set for simultaneous reporting starting at 7:00 PM on September 14.
Garcia assured that the Comelec has coordinated with energy providers to secure a reliable power supply during the elections, with contingency plans in place for the vote counting machines.
The Barangay and Sanguniang Kabataan Elections are still slated to occur on November 2, 2026.