Proposal to postpone BSKE anew backed

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BACOLOD CITY, Philippines — A proposal to postpone again the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections ostensibly due to the economic crisis is gaining support in the House of Representatives.

As this developed, Malacañang said that President Marcos would look into the proposal to determine if the postponement would benefit the country.

“It was said that P16 billion could be saved if the elections will not push through as scheduled,” Presidential Communications Undersecretary Claire Castro said at a press conference in Iloilo City, adding that Marcos is open to all suggestions that can benefit the country.

The Supreme Court has ruled that repeated and prolonged postponements of the BSKE is unconstitutional. Marcos and the 20th Congress not only postponed the 2025 BSKE by a year, but also extended the terms of BSK officials to four years from three.

Rodrigo Duterte during his presidency repeatedly postponed the BSKE, with critics and election watchdogs criticizing the moves as pandering to political leaders at the barangay level for election purposes.

Deputy Speaker Albee Benitez is calling for a six-month postponement of the BSKE scheduled on Nov. 2.

Benitez cited the impact of surging fuel prices on the economy in calling for the postponement.

He said the budget for the barangay and SK elections can be realigned to address the fuel crisis.

Critics said such a budget realignment is illegal.