The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) says it is ready to act in accordance with any legislation passed by Congress, regardless of whether the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) are postponed.
It was previously reported that the 2025 BSKE is currently scheduled for December 1, 2025. However, if the bill is signed by President Bongbong Marcos, the polls will be moved to the first Monday of November 2026.
Nevertheless, COMELEC is continuing its current preparations for the BSKE, including the procurement of pens, folders, ballots, and the conduct of voter registration, even if the bill is signed.
In an interview with COMELEC Chairman George Garcia on Dos Por Dos today at around 6 a.m., he confirmed that a formal signing ceremony will take place on August 12 at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, during which President Marcos will sign the bill. According to Garcia, the bill not only postpones the BSKE but also extends the term of office — from 3 years to 4 years — for Barangay and SK officials.
“Mukhang ‘yon po talaga ang pakay ng Panukalang Batas, na i-fix na yung termino ng Barangay officials from three years gagawin nang four years, pero subject only to one re-election,” Garcia said.
“Kaya po ang COMELEC kahit po na may gano’ng klase ng announcements, hindi naman po kami tumigil sa paghahanda rin, kasi nga po mahirap nga, baka nga hindi naman magkatuluyan. E papaano po kung wala tayong registration man lang ng mga botante? Kaya naglaan kami ng sampung araw na registration, dahil yung 15 to 17 natin baka walang makaboto, kung sakaling hindi tayo magpapa-rehistro,” he explained.
“E’ paano po kung hindi.. tumigil na kami sa paghahanda? Paano naman ang COMELEC, kami ang masisisi.” he added.
Garcia emphasized that they have to be ready in any case, and that preparations will continue since procurement is a lengthy process, which also involves mass production that takes around two months.
Currently, voter registration is ongoing. It started on August 1 and will end on August 10, 2025.
