MANILA, Philippines — To manage financial constraints, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is planning to temporarily repurpose election materials initially set for the November 2 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) for the special congressional election in Batanes, tentatively set for December.
COMELEC Chairperson Atty. George Erwin Garcia explained that borrowing these items will help the agency navigate its current budget constraints.
“Since the COMELEC lacks the needed budget, we could borrow them for the time being just so we will have something to use in Batanes,” Garcia said in an interview.
The poll body intends to utilize existing BSKE stock, such as indelible ink, pens, and thumbprint tape, leaving operational expenses largely focused on poll workers’ compensation, logistics, and ballot printing.
“As such, our only remaining concerns will be the teachers’ honoraria, the mobilization costs for our personnel, and, of course, the printing of the ballots,” Garcia added.
The cost-saving measure comes after the House of Representatives adopted the Senate-approved bill postponing the local village and youth elections from November this year to November 2028, alongside extending term lengths for elected local officials to five years.
The special poll in Batanes, tentatively set for December 19, aims to fill the legislative vacancy left by Representative Ciriaco Gato Jr., who died of cardiac arrest on September 21.
Conversely, Garcia clarified that no special election will take place in Quirino following the passing of Governor Dakila Carlo “Dax” Cua, who died of lung cancer on September 15.
“The provisions of the Local Government Code will come into play, specifically the rule on succession, given the permanent vacancy in the position resulting from the passing of Governor Dax Cua,” Garcia explained.
Under standard succession protocol, Vice Governor Julius Caesar Vaquilar assumes the governorship, the highest-ranking provincial board member steps into the vice governor post, and the resulting board vacancy will be filled by presidential appointment.