The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) announced on Sunday that it has reached a high level of preparedness for the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), currently slated for November 2, 2026.
COMELEC Chairperson George Erwin Garcia confirmed that the commission is roughly 90% to 95% ready, with the bulk of election materials already secured or in the final stages of procurement.
“Kami sa COMELEC, 90% to 95% na kaming handa para sa BSKE. Naimprenta na ang mga balota at kaunting gamit na lang ang hinihintay na ma-procure,” Garcia said during a radio interview.
The statement comes amid renewed calls from some sectors in Congress to postpone the village-level polls once again. Proponents of the delay suggest reallocating the unspent election funds to bolster the government’s response to the ongoing energy crisis.
However, Garcia maintains that the democratic process should not be sidelined, arguing that regular elections are essential for the public to exercise their mandate.
“Para po sa akin, maganda na maituloy na sapagkat ang election dapat regular na nagkakaroon. Maaring gusto niyo ang barangay officials, maganda na magkaroon tayo ng pag-affirm na gusto niyo. Kung ayaw niyo na, magandang pagkakataon na inyong mapalitan yung mga namamahala sa atin,” Garcia explained.
The nationwide voter registration for the 2026 BSKE, which resumed late last year, is entering its final stretch. Qualified Filipinos have until May 18, 2026, to register and participate in the upcoming polls.