Citing a combination of cultural reverence and economic pressure, Senator Imee Marcos has formally filed a legislative measure to reschedule the November 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to October 2027.
The proposed delay aims to address the conflict between the current election schedule and the observance of All Souls’ Day, a period when millions of Filipinos traditionally travel to their home provinces.
Marcos expressed concern that the overlap, coupled with rising inflation, would force citizens to choose between their faith and their right to vote.
“All Souls’ Day is important for Filipinos to pay their respects to the dead, but because of increasing travel expenses, it may discourage others to go home, let alone to vote,” Marcos stated.
The Senator emphasized that the “oil crisis” has significantly hiked transportation fares, which could lead to widespread disenfranchisement.
She noted that marginalized sectors and those registered in provinces far from their workplaces would be the hardest hit by the logistical and financial demands of a November election.
“The oil crisis has triggered significant increases in transportation fares, creating a serious risk of disenfranchisement, especially for voters registered outside their residence and marginalized sectors already struggling with the cost of living,” she explained.
Beyond the immediate travel costs for the public, Marcos pointed to the massive fiscal requirements of the polls.
While the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has estimated a ₱16 billion budget for the exercise, the Senator argued this figure does not account for the billions more needed by the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Education (DepEd), and local government units (LGUs).
“These funds may be better directed toward urgent needs such as economic relief, basic services, and crisis response,” she proposed.
Furthermore, the measure suggests that moving the date would allow for a more robust voter registration period, potentially reducing the need for emergency travel.
Marcos also argued that maintaining the current local leadership during these volatile economic times ensures continuity in community-level crisis management.
“Let us honor the departed and allow Filipinos to focus on prayer and remembrance in November, without the added strain of voting and local politicking,” the Senator added.
The bill is currently pending in the Senate as lawmakers weigh the benefits of fiscal savings against the constitutional necessity of regular local elections.