MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The plebiscite on the landmark Bangsamoro Organic Law is set to take place on January 21, 2019, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced on Wednesday morning, September 5.

“The Commission on Elections en banc, pursuant to the authority granted by Republic Act 11054, has set the date for the Bangsamoro Organic Law plebiscite on 21 January 2019,” said Comelec Spokesperson James Jimenez.

“The plebiscite period shall run from 7 December 2018 to 5 February 2019, while the campaign period begins on 7 December 2018 and ends on 19 January 2019,” Jimenez added.

“The public is further reminded that special registration activities in the Bangsamoro Core Territories will be conducted from 11 to 13 September 2018,” he also said.

The Bangsamoro Organic Law replaces the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao with a more powerful Muslim region – the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. (READ: After Bangsamoro law, a bright yet bumpy path to peace)

The Comelec earlier said it will need to spend around P854 million ($16 million) for the plebiscite on the Bangsamoro Organic Law.

Aside from this, the Comelec is expected to prepare for another possible plebiscite – this time on the federal constitution pushed by President Rodrigo Duterte. Congress, however, has yet to convene as a Constituent Assembly and finalize the amendments or revision that will be up for a plebiscite. – Rappler.com