BARMM Governors Push for Fair, Inclusive Representation in Final Redistricting Consultation

Dianne Hora

Published July 4, 2025

PASIG CITY — In the final round of public consultations, governors from all five provinces of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) met with members of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament to discuss the proposed redistricting of the region’s parliamentary districts ahead of the first regular regional elections in October 2025.

The five provincial governors voiced a unified call for fair and inclusive representation, underscoring the importance of equitable district allocation based on population and regional diversity.

BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua welcomed the collective support from the local leaders, reiterating that the redistricting process must uphold unity and genuine representation rather than personal or political interests.

A Defining Legislative Act for BARMM

The redistricting measure is regarded as one of the most crucial legislative initiatives in BARMM’s political transition. It will determine the composition of the 80-member Bangsamoro Parliament:

• 32 seats from parliamentary districts,

• 40 seats through party-list representation, and

• 8 seats for sectoral representatives.

Two key bills are under consideration:

• Parliament Bill No. 351, filed by the Government of the Day, and

• Parliament Bill No. 347, filed as a private member bill.

Proposed District Allocations

Parliament Bill No. 351 proposes the following distribution:

• Lanao del Sur – 9

• Maguindanao del Norte – 5

• Maguindanao del Sur – 5

• Basilan – 4

• Tawi-Tawi – 4

• Cotabato City – 3

• Special Geographic Area (SGA) – 2

Meanwhile, Parliament Bill No. 347 suggests:

• Lanao del Sur – 10

• SGA – 3

Both proposals present varying configurations but aim to reflect demographic realities and ensure broad representation.

Calls for Proportional Representation

Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal “Bambit” Adiong Jr. supported the nine-district allocation for his province, which has the largest population in BARMM at around 1.9 million.

From the island provinces, Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman and Tawi-Tawi Governor Yshmael “Mang” Sali emphasized the need to prevent the marginalization of island communities in the new district map. Sali specifically urged the addition of at least one more district for Tawi-Tawi, citing population growth that could exceed 500,000 in the 2025 census.

Maguindanao del Norte Governor Datu Tucao Mastura and Maguindanao del Sur Governor Datu Ali Midtimbang also backed equitable redistricting, noting that fair allocation would help ensure a more balanced distribution of development opportunities across the region.

The governors also urged Parliament to consider the reintegration of Sulu province into the redistricting framework, should the political conditions for its return to BARMM be met.

Use of Census Data and Next Steps

Committee on Local Government Chair Naguib Sinarimbo confirmed that official data from the upcoming 2025 Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) census will serve as the primary basis for district allocations. He assured that the committee is coordinating closely with the PSA to ensure timely and validated data.

Meanwhile, Assistant Secretary Jordan Bayama of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation, and Unity (OPAPRU) described the redistricting effort as a “historic component” of the peace agreement that led to the creation of BARMM.

Amendments Committee Chair Fahanie Uy-Oyod announced that internal committee deliberations will begin this weekend, with a final report expected to be submitted for plenary discussions in the coming weeks.