MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) announced that it will push through with preparations for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) scheduled for December 1, despite ongoing legislative efforts to postpone the polls.

In a state media report, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia stated in an online interview, “We don’t allow these developments in Congress to affect our ongoing preparations for the BSKE.” Garcia was referring to a bill recently approved by the House of Representatives that seeks to extend the term of incumbent barangay and SK officials, potentially moving the next BSKE to May 2029.

Garcia emphasized that until such a bill is enacted into law, Comelec “has no choice but to prepare for the BSKE” on its original December schedule. He added that suspending preparations at this stage “would be riskier.”

The Comelec chief also noted that essential election materials, including indelible ink and ballot boxes, have already been purchased for the upcoming BSKE.