Disqualification petition stalls MILF political party bid for poll accreditation

COTABATO CITY, Philippines – The accreditation of the political party of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) hangs in a balance as it awaits a decision from the Commission on Elections (Comelec) ahead of the first Bangsamoro parliamentary elections scheduled for 14 September 2026.

The delay stems from a petition for disqualification filed by Sahabudin Panambulan Usop, which has placed the United Bangsamoro Justice Party’s (UBJP) application as a Regional Parliamentary Political Party (RPPP) on hold while the electoral body reviews a case filed against it.

The Comelec said the petition raises two main allegations that could affect UBJP’s eligibility.

The first concerns alleged violations of the election gun ban. Usop claimed armed individuals were present during previous UBJP assemblies and political gatherings. Election rules strictly prohibit the presence of armed persons in campaign-related activities to prevent intimidation and ensure orderly polls.

The second allegation involves the party’s alleged funding sources. Usop said UBJP may have received financial support from foreign entities, including a Turkish non-governmental organization.

Under the Philippines’ Omnibus Election Code, political parties and candidates are prohibited from accepting financial contributions from foreign governments or foreign-based organizations. Proven violations may lead to disqualification or cancellation of registration.

Despite the legal challenge, the UBJP leadership remains optimistic. During the party’s convention at Camp Darapanan in Sultan Kudarat, Maguindanao del Norte, on April 28, UBJP spokesperson Mohajirin Ali said the party had already submitted its formal response to the Comelec.

“We are confident that the outcome will be favorable, especially regarding the merits of the complaint. There were about three points raised, and we have answered them one by one,” Ali said. He did not elaborate.

The party, which dominates the interim Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA) running the affairs of the regional government, said it was hopeful that a decision from the poll body would be released by the anytime this week.

UBJP is considered one of the most influential political forces in the Bangsamoro region, and a Comelec ruling against it could change the political landscape in the Muslim-majority region.

The 2026 Bangsamoro elections, scheduled for September 14, is seen as a historic milestone for the seven-year-old region that has never held parliamentary elections. Such a transition is a key component of the 2014 peace agreement between the government and the MILF. – Rappler.com