The proposal to postpone the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections from their original schedule this December to November 2026 is likely to become law.
In an interview with local media in Albay province, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. may soon sign the measure changing the election date.
Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Chairman Atty. George Erwin Garcia confirmed the possibility, noting that Malacañang has shown no indication of vetoing the proposal.
“Any moment from now, the President may sign the (measure into) law because the Palace has not shown any indication that the proposal will be vetoed,” Garcia said.
According to Garcia, postponing the elections would help the commission better prepare, especially as it is also organizing the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections in November.
“The quality of the preparation will be compromised as there is only a month (gap) between the two elections. If it is postponed, we can better prepare (for the BSKE),” he added.
The measure would also extend the term of barangay officials elected in 2023.
Earlier, election lawyer and 2019 senatorial aspirant Atty. Romulo Macalintal urged President Marcos to veto the postponement, warning it would be “unconstitutional.”
Meanwhile, despite the possible delay, Garcia clarified that voter registration for the Barangay and SK elections will proceed for new voters starting today, August 1.