Comelec calls for emergency meeting over possible BSKE reset

June 16, 2025 , 07:55 AM

By Niko Dacanay

(June 16, 2025) — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Monday called for an emergency meeting to discuss the possible postponement of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) set for December 2025.

This comes after Senate and the House of Representatives ratified a bill to reset the BSKE to the first Monday of November 2026, and every four years thereafter.

In an interview with Ted Failon & DJ Chacha, Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the commission will tackle possible adjustments to the ongoing preparations for the polls.

“Kahit hindi pa tayo nag-iimprenta ng balota, mayroon po kasi kaming na-set na schedule sa timeline. Baka i-adjust po namin,” said Garcia.

Garcia said the commission will need to reschedule procurement of election paraphernalia in case the BSKE is reset.

“Dapat ba kami magtuloy ng pag-procure halimbawa ng indelible ink? ‘Pag prinocure natin ‘yan nang mas maaga [at] mas maagang na-deliver sa amin, baka matuyo ‘yan, mag-iba ang kulay, o anuman magbago sa mismong [formula],” garcia said.

The Comelec chairman also said that postponing the BSKE will allow the commission to move voter registration, which was initially scheduled for July 1–11.

Should the President Bongbong Marcos allow the BSKE reset, the Comelec may open voter registration for a longer period.

However, this would also require a bigger budget as an extended registration would entail more new voters.

“Dadami po ang bilang ng presinto. Dadami po ang bilang ng electoral board members. At syempre, dadami rin po ‘yung election paraphernalia na gagamitin natin sa bawat presinto. Kung magkakaganoon, wala po kaming budget para doon sa pagdami na ‘yun,” said Garcia.

Under the bicameral conference committee report, all elected barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials shall be granted a term of four years.

Barangay officials will be allowed to hold the same position for up to three consecutive terms.

However, SK officials will only be limited to one term for the same post.

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