Bangsamoro’s first elected parliament begins work

The Philippines’ Bangsamoro region has opened its first elected parliament, ending seven years of transitional administration. The inaugural session in Cotabato City established a regular parliamentary government in a region shaped by decades of armed conflict.

The opening followed the region’s first parliamentary elections in September, when more than two million people voted, a turnout of 84.34%. At the inaugural session, 79 of the legislature’s 80 members attended. Lawmakers elected Abdulraof Macacua as chief minister with 51 votes; he had served as interim chief minister since his appointment in 2025.

The transition marks a milestone in the peace process between the national government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front. Kidapawan Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo praised the peaceful handover and expressed support for the new government, stressing the importance of serving Muslim, Christian and Indigenous communities alike.

The next task is to make elected self-government work for residents. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged the new leadership to deliver responsive public services, use resources transparently and expand economic opportunities. Under the region’s governing law, the chief minister leads the regional government while remaining subject to parliamentary oversight. The institutions are taking shape; their success will be measured by improvements in people’s daily lives.