Comelec gears for SK, barangay polls

MANILA, Philippines — Despite possible postponement, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is preparing for the holding of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections on Dec. 5.

“Administrative and operational preparations for the barangay and SK elections are being conducted as directed by the Comelec en banc,” Comelec acting spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco said yesterday.

The poll body has started drafting the implementing resolution and working on the procurement of ballot paper and other election supplies as well as the printing of official ballots and other forms, he said.

In coordination with the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases, the Comelec is reviewing health protocols and the provision of isolation polling places as part of the preparations for the elections.

Comelec Commissioner Rey Bulay has been designated commissioner-in-charge of the barangay and SK elections.

Laudiangco said the poll body is waiting for the Comelec en banc to approve the continuation of the voter registration, which might take place from July 4 to 30.

Based on the Comelec’s estimates, there will be 66,053,357 registered voters for the barangay polls and 23,059,227 for the SK.

Laudiangco clarified that the numbers of registered voters was mere projection based on historical data and for purposes of planning and procurement for the elections.

There had been reports that once the 19th Congress convenes on July 25, the deferment of the barangay and SK elections would be among the agenda at the House of Representatives if Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez is elected speaker.

Romualdez earlier said that postponing the barangay elections would save the government P8.14 billion, which he said could be used for the continuation of the COVID response, provision of cash aid and as an economic stimulus.