Saudi Arabia’s ambassador in Manila congratulated Abdulraof Macacua and expressed support for cooperation with the Philippine region’s leadership.
Saudi ambassador offers support
Arab News reported on 31 October 2026 that Ambassador Faisal Ibrahim Al-Ghamdi sent Macacua congratulations and expressed support for cooperation and closer friendship between the countries. The newspaper cited a letter posted by the Bangsamoro government on Saturday. This diplomatic engagement follows the selection of the region’s leadership; the report announces no specific financial package or investment agreement. Arab News Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity
How the chief minister was chosen
GMA reported that Macacua was elected chief minister during the inaugural session on 30 October. He won 51 votes against 27 for Ahod Balawag Ebrahim, with one member abstaining. There were 79 lawmakers present, and Macacua subsequently took his oath before Wālī Sheikh Muslim Guiamaden. Amer Zaakaria Rakim was elected speaker. These figures describe lawmakers’ votes for the leadership, not the parties’ shares of the popular vote. That distinction matters when interpreting how the new parliamentary government was formed. GMA News Online
Chief minister and speaker have different roles
The Parliament’s account explains that voters elect its members, who then choose a chief minister from among themselves. The position requires a majority of all members: 41 votes in an 80-member chamber. The chief minister leads the executive and implements policies, while the speaker manages legislative proceedings. Lawmaking, budget approval and spending oversight belong to Parliament collectively. Bangsamoro Parliament
Peace requires dialogue and services for communities
In a message dated 31 October, the presidential peace, reconciliation and unity office reaffirmed national-government support for regular parliamentary governance. It called for social cohesion, mutual respect and inclusive dialogue, urging lawmakers to bridge different perspectives and serve their communities. It particularly emphasized programmes and services for remote, underdeveloped and vulnerable areas. Office of the Presidential Adviser on Peace, Reconciliation and Unity
What residents can expect from elected institutions
Addressing the opening session, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. urged lawmakers to translate peace gains into services and economic opportunities for families. Parliament’s report of the speech identifies responsive laws, essential services and transparent management of public resources as measures of success. Marcos placed the transition within a shift from armed struggle to democratic governance. Bangsamoro Parliament
