Malacañang has expressed openness to proposals seeking another postponement of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), as some lawmakers push the move to conserve government funds amid the ongoing energy crisis linked to tensions in the Middle East.
Speaking at a press briefing in Iloilo City on April 17, Communications Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is open to studying any proposal that could benefit the country.
“Nabanggit nga po na maaaring makatipid ng ₱16 billion,” Castro said.
“Kung magkakaroon po sila ng anumang bill… basta po ito’y makakabuti sa ating bansa, open po ang Pangulo para diyan,” she added.
Castro clarified, however, that any decision will ultimately depend on the passage of legislation and the President’s review.
She emphasized that the administration remains receptive to “all suggestions” that may help the country navigate the declared national energy emergency.
The BSKE is currently scheduled for November 2026, following its earlier postponement under Republic Act No. 12232, which moved the elections from December 2025 and extended the terms of incumbent barangay and SK officials from three to four years.
Previously, President Marcos cited logistical concerns raised by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC), particularly the challenge of managing multiple major elections at the same time.
He underscored the importance of the first-ever Bangsamoro Parliament elections, which are scheduled ahead of the BSKE.
“Kung mag-fail iyon… malaking failure ‘yan sa peace process,” he said.
The BSKE has already been postponed multiple times in recent years. The 2020 elections were first moved to December 2022 and later to October 2023, allowing the government to reallocate funds for pandemic recovery efforts.