NEW BANGSAMORO LEADERS SWORN IN, MACACUA TAKES OATH AS CHIEF MINISTER

THE BANGSAMORO AUTONOMOUS REGION IN MUSLIM MINDANAO SWORE IN NEW LEADERS ON MARCH 15, 2025, WITH ABDULRAOF MACACUA AS INTERIM CHIEF MINISTER, FOCUSING ON KEY LEGISLATION BEFORE THE OCTOBER 2025 ELECTIONS.

The Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) Parliament has entered a new phase in its leadership with the oath-taking of its members last March 15, 2025 held in Manila. This event saw the appointment of Abdulraof Macacua as interim chief minister, along with 58 reappointed and 19 newly inducted members. In attendance during the ceremonies was President Bongbong Marcos Jr. who also welcomed the new leaders. Despite these additions, three seats remain vacant, awaiting appointees. With only seven months before the region holds its f irst parliamentary elections on October 13, 2025, the newly sworn-in officials are expected to maximize their time in office by addressing key legislative priorities. The elections were  originally set for May 12, 2025, along with the midterm elections. Macacua, who previously served as senior minister of BARMM, took over from Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, the chair of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, who had led the region since its establishment in 2019. During his first address as chief minister, Macacua assured the public that while the current ministerial structure would remain, efforts would be made to ensure that governance remains active and effective.

One of the main legislative priorities under Macacua’s leadership is the Bangsamoro Revenue Code, which aims to strengthen the region’s financial independence. This law is considered a crucial component of BARMM’s governance framework, as it will enable the region to generate and manage its own revenues. He emphasized the importance of finalizing this measure when the Bangsamoro Parliament convenes for its 4th Regular Session this April. Since its formation, the Bangsamoro Parliament has successfully enacted 72 acts.

As Macacua steps into his leadership role, he is responsible for ensuring a smooth transition, maintaining governance stability, and strengthening the foundations for long-term self-rule. The coming months will be critical in determining the success of the Bangsamoro government’s legislative and governance reforms, as expectations remain high for effective decision-making and policy implementation.

With the upcoming October 2025 elections, a significant milestone will see through the region’s political landscape as it marks the first time Bangsamoro leaders will be elected through a parliamentary system that will reinforce the BARMM’s autonomy under the Bangsamoro Organic Law.