Senate panel okays bills on BSKE postponement, longer term for winners

The Philippine Senate's local government committee has advanced legislation that could significantly alter the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). The panel approved two key bills: one proposing to postpone the elections scheduled for November this year, and another to institute a fixed five-year term for barangay and SK officials, extending from the current four years.

Senator Imee Marcos's bill, Senate Bill No. 2067, seeks to move the BSKE from November 2, 2026, to October 2027. This postponement is intended to alleviate the financial strain on voters who must travel to their home provinces to cast ballots, especially with rising fuel costs. Marcos also noted the election's proximity to All Souls' Day, a significant observance.

Concurrently, Senator Francis Escudero's bill, Senate Bill No. 2387, aims to standardize the term of office for barangay and SK officials at five years. Escudero argues this longer term would allow for more effective planning and implementation of projects. He suggested that if approved, the bill's natural effect would be to postpone the upcoming election, even if its primary subject is the term length.

However, the proposed changes face scrutiny. Arwinie Serrano of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting pointed out that a five-year term could be implemented even if the November election proceeds. The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has already invested approximately P8 billion in preparations for the current election cycle. Comelec Chair George Garcia noted that while some procured items like ballot boxes might be stored, other expenses, including voter registration and personnel services, could be duplicated if the elections are rescheduled.

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The natural effect will be, of course, to postpone the upcoming election, but the subject matter of this bill is fixing the term, not just postponement.