Macacua Secures Majority Backing Ahead of BARMM Chief Minister Vote
As reported by Rappler, a coalition pact was forged in Davao City by 46 newly elected members of the Bangsamoro Parliament, granting interim Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua majority support ahead of the October 30 vote for the regional leadership. The total surpasses the 41 votes required for a majority in the 80-member Parliament, positioning Macacua to become the first elected chief minister of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
The coalition formation follows a statistical tie in the September 14 parliamentary elections. Macacua’s Bangsamoro Federalist Party won 31 seats, edging out the United Bangsamoro Justice Party, backed by Murad, which secured 30 seats. Remaining seats went to other political parties and sectoral representatives.
President Marcos Affirms Regional Autonomy
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. welcomed the coalition’s formation on October 15, reaffirming the national government’s respect for the region’s autonomy and its democratic institutions. In an official statement, Marcos described the September elections as a historic milestone for self-governance and durable peace in southern Mindanao.
The President stated that the national government recognizes the coalition’s intention to constitute the Government of the Day through established parliamentary procedures under the Bangsamoro Organic Law. According to Philstar.com, Marcos expressed his willingness to collaborate formally with the regional leadership established by the parliament to foster economic growth, regional stability, and peace-building efforts.
Interim Chief Minister Macacua lauded the administration’s position. Macacua said the stance powerfully affirms autonomy earned through decades of struggle and reinforces the collective responsibility to uphold governance principles.
Roadmap for the First 100 Days
Alongside the coalition announcement, regional leaders convened in Davao City for a strategic planning workshop to set legislative and executive priorities for the regular parliament’s first 100 days and initial five-year term. BARMM Interior Minister Jordan Bayam noted that the elected parliament differs from the preceding Bangsamoro Transition Authority.
Lanao del Sur Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr., serving as secretary-general of the Bangsamoro Grand Coalition, stated that the alliance aims to sustain the peace process.
The newly elected Parliament is scheduled to convene for its inaugural session on October 30, marking the end of the transition period and the formal selection of the region’s first elected chief minister.