THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Wednesday, July 30, 2025, assured that it is ready to hold the December 1 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) despite the continued suspense on whether it will be postponed or not.
In an online media interview, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said they are prepared if the bill moving the poll exercise to November 2026 will not be signed by President Bongbong Marcos Jr.
"Kung itutuloy (ang BSKE), then handa po kami," said Garcia.
(If the BSKE pushes through, then we are ready.)
He, however, admitted that it would be better for the commission if it will be postponed.
Garcia said this is because they are also busy with their preparations for the October 13 Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections (BPE).
"Syempre, mako-compromise ang kalidad ng paghahanda dahil isang buwan lang pagitan ng dalawang halalan. Kung ipagpapaliban, mas makakapag handa kami," said Garcia.
(Of course, the quality of preparations will be compromised since there’s only a one-month gap between the two elections. If it gets postponed, we’ll be able to prepare better.)
The proposed setting of terms of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials was approved by both chambers of Congress.
Its passage into law would mean moving the BSKE to the first Monday of November 2026 from December 1, 2025.
According to Garcia, he is expecting Marcos to sign the bill into law "any moment from now."
"Any moment from now, mapipirmahan ng pangulo ang batas sapagkat wala naman pinapahayag ang palasyo na indication na ito ay ivi-veto ng pangulo o hindi lalagdaan," said Garcia.
(Any moment now, the President is expected to sign the law, as the Palace has not given any indication that it will be vetoed or left unsigned.) (Anton Banal/SunStar Philippines)