Philippine government pledges non-interference in BARMM parliament leadership vote

Mel Senen Sarmiento, head of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity, assured on Monday that the central government will not meddle in the selection of the chief minister and other officials of BARMM’s first regular parliament. The vote is scheduled less than two weeks before the newly elected MPs start their five-year term on Oct. 30. His statement echoes President Marcos’ earlier remarks emphasizing respect for the autonomous region’s self-governance.