COMELEC VI: Postponing BSKE 2026 ‘impractical’ amid full preparations
By Manny Regalado Alcalde
Commission on Elections (COMELEC) VI Regional Director Atty. Dennis L. Ausan has described proposals to postpone the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) scheduled for November 2, 2026 as impractical, citing the extensive preparations already undertaken by the Commission since last year.
“We are already in election mode and fully prepared for the BSKE this November. At this point, postponement would be impractical given the amount of money already spent from the election budget. Comelec Manila has also issued an official statement noting time constraints in effecting a postponement. Both bills in Congress still need to be passed on final reading and signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. before any postponement can take effect,” Ausan said.
He added that if the legislative process is completed on time, the Commission will have no choice but to comply. However, Ausan warned that if the BSKE is moved to 2028, some SK chairpersons would already exceed the age requirements set by law.
Past proposals to defer the elections were not entertained, and polls proceeded despite the pandemic, which required significant government spending.
Currently, all preparatory activities are being carried out by Election Officers (EOs) ahead of the election period, which begins in September.
Ausan also reminded prospective candidates of two new requirements when filing Certificates of Candidacy: 1) An authenticated birth certificate and 2) A duly notarized undertaking declaring no conflict of interest.
