MANILA, Philippines – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will convene next week to reevaluate preparations for the December 1 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), amid the growing possibility that the polls will be postponed.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia on Thursday said the meeting will cover key matters such as the procurement of election materials and the scheduled voter registration.

“We will have an emergency meeting… to discuss what things need to be stopped for the time being. For example, procurement – there are items that should not be purchased for now because they might get damaged, such as indelible ink,” Garcia said in an online interview.

He also said the commission may temporarily halt the voter registration period, which is set from July 1 to 11.

Garcia added that the Comelec will reassess the election budget and adjust its plans depending on the final decision from Congress and Malacañang.

The poll body’s meeting comes after the Senate and House of Representatives ratified on Wednesday the bicameral conference committee report on a bill seeking to extend the term of barangay and SK officials from three to four years.

Garcia emphasized that the Comelec will abide by the final outcome of the legislative process.

“This is a political decision so the Comelec cannot interfere,” he said. “Whatever they (Congress) agree to, we will abide by it.”

The Comelec is now awaiting President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s decision on the proposed measure.

“Currently, this is still a bill… We will see the President’s action if it is signed and becomes a law,” Garcia added. (Courtesy: PNA)