MANILA — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) on Tuesday said preparations for the barangay and sangguniang kabataan elections (BSKE) would push through even if the House of Representatives approved a bill extending the officials’ term to 6 years.

The BSKE is originally scheduled to take place on Dec. 1, 2025.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia said it was better if they prepare early to avert possible challenges should the village polls continue as planned.

“No choice ang Comelec kundi mag-prepare pa rin. Kasama sa mga dinidiscuss namin ang issue ng BSKE at pag-extent ng paghahanda namin, at ano pa ang mga factors na pwedeng pumasok,” Garcia told reporters.

“Mahirap kasi yun, baka lalong mas mabigat ang damage sa ating halalan kung magpapatumpik-tumpik tayo o maghihintay kesa sa maghanda tayo sa kasalukuyan. Wala pa naman kaming technically binabayaran o ginagastos na pera ng taumbayan,” he added.

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The poll chief said aside from this, they are also preparing for the voter’s registration as well as the implementation of the Bangsamoro Parliament Elections scheduled this October.

But he said developments like this should not become a distraction for them.

“As long as hindi pa nagpi-print ng balota, yun kasi ang malaking component ng isang halalan, kung ang procurement sisimulan na natin para sa pag-procure ng ilang kagamitan, hanggat hindi nagkakaroon ng award ng kung sino pang nanalo, wala pang damage din whether sa Comelec o dun sa pribadong supplier,” he said.

“Mas maaga ang preparasyon, mas maaga ang ginagawa natin, ano man ang maging problema ay madali naming uulitin” he said. 

Personally, Garcia reiterated it was better if the BSKE would happen not this year but noted the decision still lies with Congress — as the Comelec would only abide by the law.

In the end, he said, they would just monitor the developments in the Senate — as it has a different version when it comes to the BSK officials’ term of office.

Comelec says better for poll body to hold BSKE in 2026 instead of December 2025

“As of noong nakaraan ay nasa second reading na rin yung mismong sa Senado, asahan natin mamayang hapon may development diyan,” he said.

Under House Bill 11287, the synchronized Barangay and SK elections shall be held every six years on the second Monday of May starting in 2029.

No elective barangay official shall serve for more than two consecutive terms in the same position, while no elective Sangguniang Kabataan official shall serve for more than one term, according to the bill, principally authored by House Speaker Martin Romualdez and other House leaders.

The measure further provides for a transitory provision granting all incumbent Barangay and SK officials elected last October 30, 2023 to remain in office until the next elections on May 2029, unless sooner removed or suspended for cause.