Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 25) — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) set for 2025 will push through in accordance with the Supreme Court’s decision.
The high court rejected the government’s motion for reconsideration on its ruling declaring unconstitutional the law postponing the BSKE.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Supreme Court said the arguments raised by the Office of the Solicitor General were “essentially mere reiterations” of what it decided on last June 27.Comelec Chairman George Garcia said they will respect and abide by the high court’s ruling.
“Hindi natin masasabi kung anong pwede pang gawin ng Kongreso,” he told reporters on Wednesday. “Minsan kasi may nagpa-file ng second motion for reconsideration. But as far as the Comelec is concerned, yun na ‘yung huli.”
“Therefore we will proceed with the election on October 30,” Garcia added. “‘Yun naman yung pinaghandaan natin. And just the same in 2025.”
[Translation: We cannot say what Congress will do. Sometimes a second motion for reconsideration will be filed. But as far as the Comelec is concerned, that is the last. Therefore, we will proceed with the election on October 30. That’s what we’re preparing for. And just the same in 2025.]
Comelec earlier requested that the next BSKE be moved to 2026 due to the lack of funds and the shorter term for the local officials elected this year.The poll chief also said the issue on the start of the term of the barangay and SK officials was also resolved by the high court.
“Kahit na-postpone ang BSKE ng December 5, 2022 at ito ay nalipat sa October 30, just the same dapat nagsimula ang term of office ng January 1, 2023. So pagka-proclaim ninyo, you can immediately assume office,” Gracia said, explaining the Comelec’s analysis.
[Translation: Even if the BSKE was moved from December 5, 2022 to October 30, just the same, the term of office must start on January 1, 2023. So once you are proclaimed, you can immediately assume office.]
The Comelec admitted it will be challenging to hold two elections in one year.However, Garcia said the likely scenario for 2025 will be manual BSKE and automated national and local elections (NLE).
“Sa bandang huli kakayanin namin kaya lang po yung Barangay and SK elections ay maaari pong hindi namin ma-automate,” he said. “Sapagkat wala pong nai-provide sa amin na budget. But sure po ang national and local election ng Mayo ay automated.”
[Translation: In the end we will do it, although the Barangay and SK elections might not be automated. Because there is no budget. But the national and local elections will be automated.]
