BARMM chief tells all ministers, office heads to file courtesy resignations
BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua (Photo from his Facebook account)
MANILA, Philippines — All ministers, deputy ministers and heads of offices and agencies of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) are being asked to tender their courtesy resignations no later than June 30, 2025.
This is based on the memorandum circular dated June 23 by BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua.
Copies of the memorandum have been distributed by Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Erwin Garcia to reporters on Tuesday.
“In light of the serious and grave complaints brought before the herein undersigned and to improve efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery in this crucial phase of the end of the transition period in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region, all appointed or designated Ministers, Deputy Ministers and Heads of offices and agencies are hereby directed to tender their unqualified courtesy resignations to the undersigned not later than the last business hours of Muharram 4, 1447 AH / June 30, 2025 (Monday),” the circular read.
READ: BARMM chief to new execs: Work for a ‘better Bangsamoro’
The circular added that if the minister, deputy minister or head of office or agency concerned refuses or fails to submit their resignation for any reason on or before the deadline, “the refusing or failing official shall be deemed resigned.”
However, the circular noted that they are still required to report to work and perform their duties until any action is taken regarding their courtesy resignations.
Macacua serves as the chief of staff of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front’s Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces.
Just last month, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. ordered the courtesy resignations of all his cabinet members to facilitate an evaluation of their performances.
Implications in BARMM polls
Garcia said on Tuesday that the poll body is reviewing the progress on the courtesy resignations so that it can continue preparing with officials and heads of ministries for the first BARMM parliamentary elections.
“Any change in leadership will always have an implication on our preparations,” Garcia told reporters in an interview.
“But since this period is a bit longer compared to the incoming elections, I hope that there will be clarity on those who will be replaced and those who will be retained so there will be no doubts, and it will be clear to the Comelec who is the right person we should be talking with,” he noted.
The elections will take place on October 13, 2025.
It was supposed to be held last May 12, 2025 but it was postponed.
READ: Comelec gearing up for BARMM polls in October
Garcia said the poll body had conducted the source code review as part of the automated election system of the parliamentary elections.
He also said drafts of the ballots were sent to the Comelec en banc for approval.
Garcia said that the submission of candidates’ images on the ballots are extended until July 18 so the Comelec can finalize its database.
He earlier said that the poll body is studying the removal of the images from the ballots.
Around 40 out of more than 100 candidates have submitted their pictures so far.
“We have prepared all the budget and also the training of electoral board members, the Deso [Department of Education Supervisor Official] and the support staff – the dates on when the activities will be done have been laid out,” Garcia said.
The Comelec chief also noted that the peace and order currently reign in the region.
But with the courtesy resignations being ordered and the campaign period about to begin, Garcia said this situation may change.
“What we are preparing for is when we are nearing the start of the campaign period. And therefore, that’s usually when the environment changes, especially if politics are involved,” he cautioned. /apl
