Following the first regular parliamentary elections held on September 14, 2026, a 46-member majority coalition inside the 80-seat Bangsamoro Parliament secured crucial political backing ahead of the upcoming leadership vote. Forty-six elected members signed a coalition agreement to support interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua for the region’s top post, comfortably surpassing the 41 votes needed for a parliamentary majority.
The newly formed legislative alliance unites major political entities across the autonomous region, including the Bangsamoro Federal Party (BFP), the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP), the Bangsamoro Grand Coalition (BGC), the National Mujahideen in Politics (NMIP), the Social Justice for All Party (SIAP), Raayat, and Pro-Bangsamoro groupings. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed the coalition’s formation in an October 14 statement, affirming the national government’s respect for regional autonomy and recognizing the Parliament’s authority to choose its leaders under the Bangsamoro Organic Law (BOL).
Coalition Building and Support Across Grassroots Sectors
The broad composition of the 46-member supermajority reflects the active inclusion of varied political movements, local governments, ethnolinguistic groups, and former revolutionary organizations. Naguib Sinarimbo, who was elected to represent a Cotabato City parliamentary district, noted that the alliance places Macacua in a strong position ahead of the scheduled vote.
Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr., secretary-general of the Bangsamoro Grand Coalition (BGC), stated that the alliance aims to sustain the peace process and achieve lasting regional stability. Meanwhile, the Bangsamoro Initiative for Peace, Progress and Solidarity (BIPPS) issued a statement throwing its full support behind Macacua’s call to safeguard autonomy and demand adherence to elected mandates.
Did You Know? The transition to a fully elected parliamentary government replaces the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA), an interim governing body that was established in 2019 following decades of peace negotiations.
Implications for the Regional Transition
The political alignment marks an important shift as the region transitions from appointed interim leadership to a fully elected parliamentary government. Macacua described the national government’s stance as a clear demonstration of statesmanship and respect for the democratic will of the electorate, emphasizing the collective responsibility to strengthen autonomy through moral governance.
Coalition leaders convened for a strategic planning workshop in Davao City to set legislative and executive priorities for the regular parliament’s first 100 days and five-year term. BARMM Interior Minister Jordan Bayam observed that the newly elected parliament faces higher expectations than the preceding transitional authority as it prepares to assume office and guide regional development.
Expert Insight: Securing a 46-member majority ahead of the legislative session minimizes procedural friction, allowing the incoming administration to focus immediately on administrative priorities and economic development rather than prolonged factional disputes.
Upcoming Parliamentary Schedule
The 80 elected members of the Bangsamoro Parliament are scheduled to assume office at noon on October 30, 2026, under Republic Act No. 12317, which reset the region’s first regular parliamentary elections. During this session, lawmakers will officially choose the chief minister of the BARMM in accordance with Republic Act No. 11054, also known as the Bangsamoro Organic Law.
Macacua’s tenure as interim chief minister will formally conclude when the elected lawmakers take their oaths and convene. Coalition stakeholders have urged all political actors to honor the parliamentary process and ensure an orderly transition as the region steps into its new governance framework.
Details on Parliamentary Elections, Chief Minister Requirements, and Session Dates
When did the first regular parliamentary elections take place?
The region held its first regular parliamentary elections on September 14, 2026, recording an 84.34 percent voter turnout with 2,018,478 ballots cast.
How many votes are required to secure the position of Chief Minister?
Under the Bangsamoro Organic Law, a candidate for Chief Minister must secure the support of at least 41 out of the 80 members of the Parliament.
What is the official date for the Parliament’s first session?
The 80 elected members of Parliament are scheduled to assume office and convene at noon on October 30, 2026.
How will the newly formed 46-member majority coalition shape the legislative priorities of the first regular Bangsamoro Government?
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