A proposal to move the 2026 village and youth elections gained renewed political support after a senator backed postponement, while Malacañang said it remains open to reviewing legislative proposals linked to possible multibillion-peso savings.
Senator Imee R. Marcos supported the delay of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), citing economic pressures and fiscal priorities. She also referred to the Commission on Elections’ earlier estimate placing the cost of the elections at around P16 billion nationwide.
“I support the postponement of the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
At a time when the country is confronted with serious economic challenges brought about by the oil crisis, prudence demands that we prioritize the allocation of limited public resources.
According to COMELEC during the budget hearing last year, nationwide barangay and SK elections will require around 16 billion pesos.
This sum can be more urgently directed toward addressing the immediate needs of our people, including rising fuel costs, food security, and essential public services.
Equally important, postponement will allow our local officials to remain fully focused on governance and crisis response, rather than being drawn into the distractions of electoral politics.
In times such as these, continuity of leadership at the grassroots level can help ensure stability and more efficient delivery of public services”
Malacañang earlier said President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. remains open to proposals that seek to postpone the elections scheduled for November 2026.
“Ang Pangulo at gobyernong ito ay open sa lahat ng maaring suggestions na siyang makakabuti sa ating bansa,” Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said.
Castro also said the administration will review any measure filed in Congress.
“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.
Lawmakers in the House of Representatives earlier pushed for the postponement and proposed redirecting unused election funds to government programs responding to the energy crisis.
The Commission on Elections expressed openness to the proposal but raised concerns over possible constitutional issues in reallocating funds intended for elections.
The BSKE remains scheduled for November 2026, covering all barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan positions nationwide.
Imee Marcos/ Facebook
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