DAVAO CITY — Civil society leaders and representatives of the Coalition for Social Accountability and Transparency (CSAT) convened in Davao City on February 9–10 for a two‑day dialogue examining the shifting legal and institutional landscape surrounding the first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections. Organized by the Institute for Autonomy and Governance (IAG), the forum brought together CSAT members from across BARMM and Sulu to assess the implications of recent Supreme Court rulings, redistricting challenges, and amendments to the Bangsamoro Electoral Code.

Opening discussions, led by IAG Executive Director Atty. Benedicto Bacani, traced the chain of legal developments that have reshaped the transition timeline—from the Supreme Court’s exclusion of Sulu in September 2024, to the invalidation of the region’s redistricting laws in September 2025, and the subsequent passage of a new redistricting bill on January 12, 2026. These shifts have set the stage for the proposed September 14, 2026 election date now under consideration in Congress.

Participants also reviewed updates to the framework for sectoral representation, including the move toward direct voting for several key sectors, the continued assembly process for others, and strengthened measures to ensure women’s participation in the future Bangsamoro Parliament.

 

In the afternoon session, CSAT members engaged in a wide‑ranging dialogue with MILF Implementing Panel Chairman and Member of Parliament Mohagher Iqbal, joined by Engr. Mohajirin Ali, Director General of the Bangsamoro Planning and Development Authority. The exchange surfaced critical questions on the revised election timeline, the MILF’s position on holding elections as soon as feasible, updates from recent panel meetings, education concerns, progress on the amnesty and normalization programs, the block grant, and reactions to the Electoral Code amendments. For CSAT, it was a key moment to reflect, clarify positions, and build consensus amid a rapidly evolving political environment.

 

The second day of the forum focused on CSAT’s internal deliberations. Members emphasized the need for collective reflection “as individual organizations and as a broader coalition,” especially in light of the delays in the first parliamentary elections. Inputs from recent high‑level engagements—including a December dialogue with OPAPRU Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. and the previous day’s session with Chairman Iqbal—helped frame the coalition’s analysis of the peace process and the legislative hurdles affecting the transition.

 

CSAT also marked a milestone during the gathering, welcoming new members and expanding its ranks from 35 to 40. Returning members reaffirmed their commitment to the coalition’s mission of advancing transparency, accountability, and meaningful citizen participation in governance across BARMM and the Zamboanga Peninsula.

 

As the dialogue drew to a close, CSAT issued a formal statement, setting out the coalition’s shared position on the region’s political transition. In the statement, CSAT urged the National Government to ensure that the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections proceed without further delay, stressing that continued postponement would weaken public confidence and stall the democratic gains envisioned in the peace process. The coalition voiced its support for Senate Bill No. 1587 and House Bill No. 7236, which schedule the elections for September 14, 2026, and called on Congress, the Bangsamoro Transition Authority, COMELEC, and concerned national agencies to resolve outstanding legal and administrative issues, including those tied to BAA No. 86 and amendments to the Electoral Code.
 
 
The declaration underscores that safeguarding democratic processes, honoring peace commitments, and protecting the Bangsamoro people’s right to choose their leaders are obligations the State cannot set aside. According to CSAT, the elections are a crucial step in realizing the Bangsamoro’s vision of meaningful self‑rule and in reinforcing the peace and governance reforms that have taken root in recent years.
 

The dialogue was organized by IAG as part of its political dialogue program, with support from the Australian Government.