‘House to pass bill deferring barangay, SK polls’

MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives is likely to approve the postponement of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections scheduled on Dec. 5, according to Albay first district Rep. Joey Salceda.

“Most likely, that will be the first legislation that we will approve, the postponement,” Salceda said during the Kapihan sa Manila Bay media forum yesterday.

He said many lawmakers are eyeing May 5, 2023 as the new schedule of the elections.

Salceda said the government would save P8 billion, which he said the Commission on Elections (Comelec) is “eager to spend” for the polls.

Opponents, however, say the spending would simply be deferred, and are questioning lawmakers’ motives for yet another extension of the terms of barangay and SK officials.

Salceda said he supports proposals to extend the term of barangay officials from three to five years.

Despite calls for the postponement of the barangay and SK elections, the Comelec said it is busy with its “three-pronged” preparations.

Comelec acting spokesman Rex Laudiangco said that after the voter registration, concerned committees and departments drafted the implementing resolutions for the holding of the polls, which were submitted for approval and promulgation of the commission en banc. Procurement of election paraphernalia also started this month.

Laudiangco said the voter registration was “record-breaking” as the poll body received 2,936,979 voter applicants.