THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Thursday, August 14, 2025, said it is "almost sure" that the newly signed Republic Act (RA) 12232 will be questioned before the Supreme Court (SC) regarding its legality.
In an online media briefing, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said they are positive that a petition against the law moving the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) from December 2025 to November 2026 will be filed.
"Sana naman itong panahon na ito hanggang September ay magkaroon ng liwanag lalo kung may pupunta sa SC," said Garcia.
(Hopefully, during this period until September, there will be some clarity, especially if it reaches the Supreme Court.)
"Almost sure na may mag question sa legalidad ng batas, kaya marapat na hintayin muna natin yan," he added.
(I'm almost certain that someone will question the law's legality, so it's best that we wait for that first.)
Garcia said this is the main reason why the commission will continue with its preparations for the BSKE.
He said this is regardless on when the BSKE will actually be held.
"Sa part ng Comelec, tuloy-tuloy lang ang ating paghahanda," the poll chief said.
(On the Comelec side, our preparations continue uninterrupted.)
"Ilagay na lang natin sa 8 to 8.5 ang aming kahandaan para sa BSKE, whether December 1 yan gagawin or kung mareset sa susunod na taon," added Garcia.
(Let's just set our readiness for the BSKE at 8 to 8.5, whether it is held on December 1 or postponed to next year.)
On Wednesday, Marcos signed into law RA 12232, which moves the December 2025 barangay and youth polls to the first Monday of November 2026.
The law also provides that the term of office of all elected barangay and SK officials shall be four years. (Anton Banal/SunStar Philippines)
