President Ferdinand 'Bongbong' Marcos Jr. declared the day of the synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) as a special non-working holiday throughout the country.

Under Proclamation No. 359 dated Oct. 9 but released on Oct. 11, Marcos said it is "imperative that the people given the full opportunity to participate in the said elections and exercise their right of suffrage."

Citing a Supreme Court ruling, the President said that the BSKE slated on Oct. 30, the last Monday of the month "shall proceed as scheduled."

The proclamation was signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin for Marcos.