COTABATO CITY (PIA) -- The Bangsamoro Electoral Code (BEC) handbook, which was crafted in preparation for the first parliamentary elections in the Bangsamoro region in 2025, was launched on Thursday, Jan. 18, in Cotabato City.

The book launch was initiated by the Bangsamoro Information Office (BIO) and the Legal Network for Truthful Elections (LENTE), in collaboration with the Committee on Rules of the Bangsamoro Transition Authority (BTA).

According to LENTE, the handbook on the BEC will serve as a comprehensive resource to enhance comprehension and equip election officials, voters, and stakeholders with a thorough understanding of the legal framework governing elections in the Bangsamoro region.

“This handbook will be helpful to all of us when we conduct a very important activity, the conduct of public education, informing our people about the difference between ARMM and BARMM,” said Lawyer Ona Caritos, executive director of LENTE.

The handbook on the BEC also aims to empower civil society organizations by equipping them with the right information that would allow them to advocate for and monitor accountable, transparent, and inclusive elections in the Bangsamoro region.

Caritos added that the handbook was adopted through BTA Resolution No. 412 urging the BIO, the Ministry of the Interior and Local Government (MILG), to develop an information, education, and communication campaign (IEC) for the BARMM electorates on the provisions of the BEC.

LENTE defines its organization as “the first and only non-partisan, nationwide network of lawyers, law students, paralegals, and grassroots volunteers engaged to do election work, working with various CSOs in promoting human rights and a rights-based approach to elections and governance.”

The BTA’s Rules and Committee, together with the BIO and stakeholders, contributed to crafting the handbook with input from various civil society organizations, media, and other concerned stakeholders in the region.

“The information provided in this handbook will give a clear understanding to those who may be confused and to those who are willing to learn more about the Bangsamoro Electoral Code,” BIO Executive Director Ameen Andrew Alonto said during his opening message.

He also emphasized that the Bangsamoro government wanted to influence the Bangsamoro people to choose their leaders in the most “halal,” or lawful decisions.

“We will use this manual as a reference to truly educate our voters about the Bangsamoro Electoral Code,” Alonto added.

The handbook consists of 89 pages and four parts: Legal Framework of the Parliamentary Form of Government in BARMM; Frequently Asked Questions on the Parliamentary Provisions; BARMM Electoral Process Illustrated; and Key Innovations Introduced in the Bangsamoro Electoral Code.

Copies will be distributed to various institutions, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, and others. (LTB – PIA Cotabato City)