The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has upheld its earlier decision to cancel the registration of the Moro Ako Party as a regional parliamentary political party (RPPP) for the upcoming Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections.
This ruling, made on August 28, 2026, came after the Comelec denied a motion for reconsideration submitted by the party. The initial cancellation stemmed from allegations of misrepresentation regarding the party's local chapters.
Background on the Controversy
The controversy began when the Comelec granted a petition by Aladin Abdul on August 4, leading to the cancellation of the Moro Ako Party's registration. The petition alleged that the party falsely declared non-existent chapters in cities like Cotabato and Lamitan, as well as in various municipalities in Maguindanao.
Registration and Accreditation of Moro Ako Party as RPPP for the purposes of the September 14, 2026 BARMM parliamentary elections is hereby cancelled for material misrepresentation.
Comelec En Banc
In its defense, the Moro Ako Party contended that the discrepancies were mere typographical errors. They argued that their local chapters were legitimate and provided affidavits to support their claims.
However, the Comelec dismissed these justifications as 'flimsy and unacceptable,' further solidifying the party's disqualification from participating in the elections.
Implications for BARMM Politics
This ruling not only impacts the Moro Ako Party but also raises broader questions about political representation and transparency within the BARMM framework. As the region prepares for its inaugural parliamentary elections, ensuring valid party representation is crucial for upholding democratic processes.