Congress on Tuesday approved on third and final reading House Bill No. 11287 extending the terms of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (BSK) officials from three years to six years.
The bill stipulates the postponement grassroots polls slated for December 1 this year to May 2029.
During the House of Representatives' plenary session on Monday, 153 lawmakers gave their nod to the proposed measure.
Four of them said no and one abstained during the voting on HB 11287 which seeks to amend section 43 (c) of RA 7160.
It reads “The term of barangay officials and members of SK shall be for six years, which shall begin at noon of June 30, 2029, after the synchronized barangay and SK elections (BSKE) on the second Monday of May 2029.”
But the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said on Tuesday that preparations for the BSKE this December will continue until HB 11287 is passed.
The Comelec said such moves would not affect and distract the poll body's preparations, as it is "riskier" to postpone the polls.
"We don't allow these developments in Congress to affect our ongoing preparations for the BSKE. Suspending the preparations would be riskier. Until such law is passed, the Comelec has no choice but to prepare for the BSKE scheduled on December 1," said Comelec Chairperson George Garcia.
“The indelible ink and ballot boxes have already been purchased for the upcoming BSKE. As long ballots have not been printed, there will be no damage to the Comelec or the supplier. Personally, it was better if the BSKE would not happen this year but the decision still lies with Congress — as the Comelec would only abide by the law," he added.