A possible delay in barangay elections is back on the table as Malacañang signaled openness to proposals that could redirect billions in public funds.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is open to studying proposals to postpone the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) scheduled for November 2026, Malacañang said Friday.
Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the President is willing to consider legislative measures that may improve government efficiency and generate savings.
“Ang Pangulo at gobyernong ito ay open sa lahat ng maaring suggestions na siyang makakabuti sa ating bansa,” Castro told reporters in Iloilo City.
She cited statements from lawmakers that postponing the BSKE could result in government savings of up to P16 billion.
Castro, however, emphasized that any proposal must undergo thorough review before a decision is made.
“So, kung magkakaroon sila ng anumang bill or panukala dito ay aaralin po ito ng Pangulo. Basta po ito ay makakabuti sa ating bansa, open po ang Pangulo para diyan,” she said.
Several lawmakers in the House of Representatives are pushing for the postponement of the elections and the reallocation of unspent funds to support the government’s response to the energy emergency.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has also expressed openness to the proposal but raised concerns about the constitutionality of redirecting funds intended for elections to other government programs.
The BSKE, which covers village and youth council positions nationwide, is currently set for November 2026.
ABS-CBN file photo
Comments