BFP ‘secured’ majority to elect BARMM chief minister – spox

Graphic by Raphael Reyes, photo from Bangsamoro Federalist Party/Facebook

Negotiations to form the majority were immediately underway after the hotly contested race that resulted in a hung parliament

AT A GLANCE

• The Bangsamoro Federalist Party claims to have secured enough seats to form a majority in the Bangsamoro parliament, with 32 seats, allowing them to elect a chief minister.
• Negotiations among political parties took place following a hung parliament, with BFP's chairman Abdulraof Macacua as the candidate for chief minister.
• The parliamentary system will require collaboration among parties for governance, with urgent tasks including passing the 2027 budget and organizing the BARMM cabinet.

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MANILA, Philippines – The Bangsamoro Federalist Party (BFP) has already “secured” enough seats to form a majority in the first elected Bangsamoro parliament and elect a chief minister, BFP spokesperson Naguib Sinarimbo told Rappler.

Negotiations took place immediately right after the hotly contested race that resulted in a hung parliament. BFP got 32 seats, closely followed by the United Bangsamoro Justice Party (UBJP) with 30 seats, and BARMM Grand Coalition (BGC) with 15 seats.

“While ‘yung work among political parties of creating a majority has started, ngayon nangyayari na ‘yon,” Sinarimbo said in a Rappler Talk interview. “And in our case, we’re confident we have the number.”

(The work among political parties of creating a majority has started. And in our case, we’re confident we have the number.)

“We already secured the majority to be able to elect the chief minister come October 30,” he added.

The elected members of parliament will hold their first session on October 30. BFP’s chairman Abdulraof Macacua, who is currently the interim chief minister, is the party’s bet to lead the Bangsamoro government.

Asked of his chances of becoming the region’s first elected chief minister after his proclamation on September 15, Macacua said: “Titingnan natin (We will see). Because being the chief minister, the majority will decide on that.”

Leaders of the BARMM Grand Coalition have met recently with the two biggest parties. Sulu Vice Governor Abdusakur Tan posted a photo with UBJP leaders – Ahod “Al Haj Murad” Ebrahim and Mohagher Iqbal – on Monday, September 28.

Tan’s province was excluded from BARMM as a result of a Supreme Court ruling, but the official’s group remained active in the predominantly Muslim region’s politics.

“This high-level convergence highlights the power of dialogue and solidarity—working hand-in-hand toward a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous future for the entire Muslim region,” said Tan.

A day after, BGC leaders met with BFP which included Macacua and Sinarimbo.

“Hindi kailangang magkapareho tayo palagi sa ating mga pananaw para makapagtrabaho nang magkasama,” Basilan Governor Mujiv Hataman said. (We don’t always have to agree on views to work together.)

Work ahead

These early, talks are a harbinger of what is to come. Governance through the parliamentary system would necessitate many negotiations, said Sinarimbo.

“Kasi ‘yung parliamentary system, ang nature niya talaga ay kailangan makipagkasundo ka sa ibang mga partido at ibang political actors in the region,” said Sinarimbo.

(The parliamentary system’s nature requires collaboration with other parties and other political actors in the region.)

“It cannot be an exclusivist party,” he said.

After the election of the regional chief minister, urgent matters that require the parliament’s focus are passing the 2027 budget and organizing the BARMM cabinet. Cabinet members, who will head ministries, will be selected from the members of parliament.

Sinarimbo said the system creates a challenge in finding members who have the skill set to both legislate and hold Cabinet positions.

“It’s difficult with the parliamentary system because there is fusion of legislative and executive work,” Sinarimbo said in Filipino. “It’s difficult to find individuals who have the skills to both do legislation and execution.”

Under RA 12317, the new set of officials elected in September 2026 will serve until June 30, 2031.