Leyte 4th District Representative Richard Gomez expressed support for postponing the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) scheduled for November 2, stating that the deferment prioritizes the country’s national interest and public welfare.
Gomez issued the statement as proposals to delay the local polls gained momentum within the House of Representatives.
“The strength of our democracy is measured not by how quickly we hold elections, but by how credible, orderly, and inclusive those elections are. This is a measure that puts the national interest and the Filipino people first,” Gomez said.
The lawmaker co-authored House Bill 10591, which seeks to reschedule the BSKE to the last Monday of November 2028. The proposed measure cites economic and logistical pressures, including the impact of the current global energy crisis on public spending and election administration, as key reasons for the adjustment.
Gomez also welcomed the introduction of a counterpart bill in the Senate, viewing it as a sign of growing bipartisan consensus on the urgency of the matter.
“I am hopeful that both the House of Representatives and the Senate will act decisively on this measure. When both chambers recognize the urgency of an issue, we move one step closer to meaningful and responsible legislation,” Gomez said.
He emphasized that resetting the election timeline ensures efficient use of public funds and safeguards the integrity of the electoral process amid current economic challenges.