‘Barangay, SK poll deferment to affect 2025 elections’

MANILA, Philippines —  The postponement of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections will affect the preparations for the national and local polls in May 2025, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

“Definitely, the postponement, coupled with a resetting or rescheduling of any previously scheduled political exercise has a potential to impact preparations and activities of succeeding elections,” acting Comelec spokesman Rex Laudiangco said.

He said the Comelec aims to replicate the success of the May 9 elections during the May 12, 2025 midterm elections by planning and preparing early.

However, Laudiangco said the Comelec would comply if a law is passed postponing the barangay and SK elections.

“As  done previously, we will ensure that necessary adjustments and corresponding actions be taken not just to mitigate said impact, but to ensure that all electoral exercises be conducted with credibility, orderliness, accuracy and integrity,” he said.

Several bills have been filed at the House of Representatives seeking to reset the barangay and SK elections, with the proponents saying the budget can be used to address more pressing concerns.

Laudiangco clarified that the more than P8.4 billion allocation for the barangay and SK polls remain intact.

He said only P225,360 had been spent for supplies under maintenance and other operating expenses.

He said the election supplies to be procured will not go to waste if the polls are postponed as these can be used at a later date.

The Comelec started its preparations for the barangay and SK polls with the resumption of the voter registration from July 4 to 23.

The poll body said it exceeded its target of new registrants after receiving a total of 2,334,406 as of Friday.

Up to 3,079,761 applications, including transfer, reactivation and correction of entries, were also received.