MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) clarified that the removal of Mohagher Iqbal from his post as minister of the Ministry of Basic, Higher, and Technical Education in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao does not violate any election laws.
Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said no prohibitions are currently in effect since the election period for the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE) has not yet started.
“There is no existing ban at this time. Restrictions will only take effect during the official election period,” Garcia said in a public forum.
Iqbal was removed following an order from interim BARMM Chief Minister Abdulraof Macacua, which became effective on May 18.
The election period for the BPE will run from July 16 until September 29.
Under election rules, the transfer or reassignment of government personnel, as well as the suspension of certain local officials without Comelec approval, is not allowed during the covered period.
The Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections are scheduled for September 14.
ia/xf
