Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 31) — Two regions have hit 100% in declaring winning candidates for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) as the Commission on Elections (Comelec) targets the proclamation of all newly elected officials by Tuesday.
Comelec spokesperson John Rex Laudiangco earlier told CNN Philippines’ The Source the poll body wants the proclamation done by Tuesday noon, but the latest Comelec data showed that over 200 villages have yet to complete the canvassing of votes.
The poll body said the canvassing in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), Mimaropa, Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Zamboanga Peninsula, and Soccsksargen were ongoing.
“We expect all of them, whether big or small, to conclude proceedings today not later than lunch,” Laudiangco said in the morning interview.
As of 2:35 p.m., 40,927 out of the 42,001 barangays, or 97.44% nationwide, have announced successors to both local and SK officials. Ilocos region and Central Luzon already logged 100% in the system.
In a briefing, Comelec chairperson George Garcia said three barangays in Bayang, Lanao del Sur and two villages in Calbayog City, Samar, resumed voting on Tuesday as there was late delivery of election paraphernalia on Monday, the actual election day. The areas are located in BARMM and Eastern Visayas, respectively.
READ: Delays, violence mar BSKE in Lanao del Sur, Samar
The Comelec said 256 bets will face suspension of proclamation due to unresolved or pending cases before the poll body in the event that they win the elections.
So far, 59 candidates have won the elections, while 67 did not, Laudiangco told reporters.
Laudiangco told The Source that the Comelec has filed 27 cases related to vote-buying, 46 are still for filing, and 154 are under validation and most likely will result in filing of cases.
Comelec earlier said it expects an 80%-voter turnout for the 2023 BSKE.
The poll body said the conduct of the local polls was “generally peaceful,” but Laudiangco said authorities so far recorded 19 deaths, with 19 more people injured, during the election period.
He added that there was no failure of elections in over 201,000 polling precincts nationwide.
Transition period
The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) said it will be issuing a memorandum circular to allow a three-week transition period for the newly elected barangay and SK officials.
Garcia previously said Comelec is coordinating with the DILG for a one-week proper turnover of equipment and resources.
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In his interview on The Source, Laudiangco said once winning candidates are proclaimed, have taken their oaths, and assumed their office, their “term of office already begins.”
The Supreme Court has ruled with finality that the next BSKE will be held on the first Monday of December 2025, and every three years after. It explained that the tenure of winning candidates in the October local polls is effectively shortened, and not the term of office.
The high court upheld that the term of office of sitting barangay and SK officials, who are in hold-over capacity, has ended on Dec. 31, 2022.
In a video message, President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. congratulated newly elected barangay and SK officials and said their role in society is important.
“Isang panibagong pagkakakataon na naman po ito upang makapag serbisyo sa mga Pilipino at sa ating bayan nang buong puso at higit pa sa abot ng ating kakayahan. Maging tapat po tayo sa lahat ng oras. Lagi po nating unahin ang kapakanan ng sambayanan sapagkat sila po ang dahilan kung bakit nais nating magsilbi sa bayan,” he added.
[Translation: This is a new opportunity to whole-heartedly serve Filipinos and our country to the best of our capabilities. Let’s be honest at all times. Let’s put the welfare of our constituents first because they are the reason why we want to serve our country.
