Metro Manila, Philippines – Malacañang said the postponement of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) for two years can withstand legal scrutiny, with the Office of the Solicitor General ready to defend it at the Supreme Court.
“Sa paningin po ng pangulo at ng mga mambabatas, ito ang nararapat. Pero kung anuman ang magiging desisyon ng Supreme Court, susundin naman po nila, pero ang stance ng ehekutibo, ng Comelec at ng Senado ay ipaglalaban din po ng Office of the Solicitor General,” Palace press officer Claire Castro told a press briefing on Thursday, Oct. 1.
[Translation: In the view of the president and lawmakers, this is a right step. But whatever the Supreme Court’s decision on the petition may be, they will submit to it, but the stance of the executive branch, the Comelec, and the Senate will be fought for by the Office of the Solicitor General.]
Official data show the country has more than 42,000 barangays nationwide.
Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal filed a petition with the court challenging Republic Act (RA) 12326 enacted on Sept. 24.
RA 12326 moved the BSKE to Nov. 13, 2028 and extended the term of sitting officials to five years.
The Supreme Court has ordered the government to respond within five days to the petition.
