Manila, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is open to recommendations to once again postpone the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) scheduled for November 2 this year.
This follows the statement of Deputy Speaker and Bacolod City Representative Albee Benitez, who proposed delaying the elections by several months due to the ongoing oil crisis in the country, which is a result of the war in the Middle East.
According to the lawmaker, postponing the BSKE would help generate savings and allow the funds allocated for the elections to be temporarily used for other important needs, particularly to assist Filipinos affected by the oil crisis and rising prices of goods.
An estimated ₱16 billion has been allocated for the elections, which, if used, would reportedly be restored by 2027.
However, while the Commission does not oppose the lawmaker’s proposal to postpone the elections, COMELEC Chairperson George Erwin Garcia stated that the funds cannot be used or transferred to other offices or agencies, as this could be declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
Garcia explained that the allocated funds are specified under the General Appropriations Act (GAA).
He added that the funds may only be used through budget realignment, but they must still remain under COMELEC.
Meanwhile, Benitez said the funds could be considered or declared as savings, especially since they are still with the National Treasury, meaning they have not yet been directly released to or handled by COMELEC.
He noted that it would only be considered unconstitutional if the funds were already under the custody of the Commission.
Garcia emphasized that COMELEC can only provide recommendations and suggestions regarding the proposed postponement, but ultimately, the decision rests with Congress on whether to approve the plan to delay the elections this year.