MANILA — Senator Imee Marcos expressed support for the government’s plan to postpone the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), saying the move would help the country prioritize spending amid ongoing economic pressures linked to the oil and energy crisis.

“I support the postponement of the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE),” Marcos said in a statement.

“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,” she said.

Marcos cited earlier Commission on Elections (Comelec) estimates that preparations for the nationwide barangay and youth polls could cost around P16 billion, noting that the amount could instead be used for other urgent needs.

“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,” she said.

She also said postponing the elections would allow local officials to focus on governance and crisis response rather than political activity.

“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,” Marcos said.

“In times such as these, continuity of leadership at the grassroots level can help ensure stability and more efficient delivery of public services,” she added.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. earlier said he is open to proposals to defer the BSKE scheduled for November 2, citing possible savings amid global tensions.

However, Senator Sherwin Gatchalian opposed the move, warning that postponing the elections may be unconstitutional.

“It’s not my decision. Because the Supreme Court has already made a decision stating that elections cannot just be suspended. If the postponement pushes through, this would be the third time the BSK elections would be postponed,” Gatchalian said.

“The SC itself has ruled we cannot just arbitrarily suspend the elections because what happens otherwise, is losing democratic rights,” he added.

Gatchalian also stressed that funds have already been allocated for the conduct of the BSKE.

“If you suspend it, that would already be unconstitutional,” he said.

“Precisely because there is already funds allocated for the BSKE this year,” he added.