ELIGIBLE voters are encouraged by a local poll official to register early for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) from July 1 to July 11, 2025.
Cebu Provincial Election Supervisor Marchel Sarno said a barangay certificate will no longer be accepted as a registration requirement.
Sarno also reminded candidates from recent midterm elections that the deadline to file their statement of contributions and expenditures (Soce) is June 11.
The poll official made these calls during an interview last Friday, May 30, saying the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has limited time for new voters, transferees and record reactivations for the BSKE and urged the public not to wait until the last day.
Sarno said that the BSKE elections often draw significant voter turnout and are often more personal than national elections due to rivalries and candidates having family and friends residing in the same villages.
Barangay certificate
Sarno said the presentation of a barangay certificate will no longer be accepted as a registration requirement. This policy, he said, intends to prevent manipulation and conflicts that originate from barangay-level politics.
The Comelec received reports during previous elections about barangay certificates being used to manipulate voter registrations. In some cases, individuals were transferred to different barangays without legitimate reasons. Eliminating this requirement aims to establish a more impartial and secure voter registration process, according to Sarno.
The BSKE will use manual voting and counting unless Congress mandates an automated system, Sarno said.
The elections are scheduled for Dec. 1, unless a new postponement law is passed.
Youth aged 15 to 17 by Election Day can register for Sangguniang Kabataan elections.
Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said young Filipinos who turned 18 and were previously registered for SK elections do not need to reregister as regular voters. Applicants can use the iRehistro platform to pre-fill forms but must complete biometrics in person.
Sarno warned against “hakot” tactics and said registration is free.
Regarding the Soce, Sarno said submissions from local candidates will not be accepted after the June 11 deadline.
As of May 30, Comelec Cebu reported that only two of 1,104 candidates in Cebu Province, excluding highly urbanized cities, had filed their Soces.
Sarno expects most to file closer to the deadline, noting losing candidates may be less compliant and winners may be busy.
He said Soce filing is a legal requirement for all candidates, including those who withdrew, spent nothing, or self-funded.
The Soce requires personal signatures and submission in hard and electronic copies. The deadline is final. Winning candidates cannot assume office without timely Soco submission.
Non-compliance is an administrative offense under Republic Act 7166, with penalties including fines and potential perpetual disqualification for repeat offenders. / EHP