THE National Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) on Friday, June 20, 2025, expressed strong opposition to the looming postponement of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) scheduled for December 1.
In a statement, Namfrel said it is not in favor of postponing another round of barangay and youth polls, as doing so would violate the public’s right to choose their community leaders.
“Namfrel opposes the postponement of the conduct of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections,” Namfrel said.
“(We) strongly believe that democracy works best when elections are held regularly, on time, and fairly,” it added.
The poll watchdog emphasized the importance of the barangay, being the smallest unit of government, as it leads local programs and serves as a venue for resolving community issues.
“As the closest government to the people, voters must regularly and periodically choose their leaders,” it said.
Namfrel also highlighted the role of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), noting that it empowers young people to lead, raise concerns, and participate in barangay decision-making.
“Postponing SK elections deprives young people of representation and delays youth participation in governance,” it said.
The group stressed that allowing barangay and SK leaders to serve on a hold-over status is unacceptable.
“It can violate the public's right to a genuine periodic election as it extends the term of incumbents beyond their original mandate without direct public consent,” Namfrel said.
However, the organization said it agrees with the intent of the proposed law to define the term of office for barangay and SK officials but not at the expense of scheduled elections.
“The proposed law extending the term of barangay and SK officials should be applied in consideration of the 2025 BSKE,” it said.
The proposed extension of the term of barangay and SK officials has already been approved by both chambers of Congress.
If signed into law, the measure will postpone the BSKE from December 1, 2025, to the first Monday of November 2026.
The proposed law is currently awaiting the signature of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. (TPM/SunStar Philippines)