MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is seeking a decision before mid-September on whether to postpone the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to avoid unnecessary operational expenses.
Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia made the appeal Monday, Aug. 24, at the Senate, saying an early decision would help streamline logistical preparations.
The poll body is simultaneously preparing for the nationwide local elections and the inaugural parliamentary elections of the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.
Garcia said supplies already purchased for the elections, including ballots, indelible ink, pens and thumbprint takers, would not go to waste if the BSKE is postponed. He said these items have a long shelf life and could still be used for future elections.
Some operational expenses, however, could not be recovered, according to Garcia.
Training for public school teachers who will serve on electoral boards is scheduled to begin in three weeks. Garcia said that the training would involve expenses for honoraria, travel and venues that could not be recovered if the elections are postponed.
Garcia also warned that printed voter lists could become obsolete if a postponement requires the resumption of voter registration, potentially requiring Comelec to print updated voter rosters.
The Senate has been considering measures seeking to postpone the 2026 BSKE, with the timing of a decision remaining a concern for the Comelec as it proceeds with preparations for the elections.
