Comelec to Congress: Decide on BSKE now

MANILA, Philippines —  The Comelec is urging Congress to decide on proposals for yet another postponement of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) by the end of September, warning that uncertainty could complicate the filing of certificates of candidacy after P8 billion has already been spent on preparations.

Comelec Chairman George Garcia on Wednesday said the poll body would continue preparing for the elections scheduled on Nov. 2 unless Congress changes the law, but stressed that the commission would not take sides on proposals to postpone the polls.

He said it would be difficult for the Comelec to reach the Sept. 28 filing period without knowing whether the barangay and SK elections would push through.

“If the measure is not passed, then the elections will proceed and we are ready. If it is passed, then that is also acceptable to us,” he said.

The Comelec has already spent about P8 billion out of its P19-billion budget for the BSKE, Garcia said, raising concerns that some of the expenditures could be wasted if the elections are postponed.

“If the November elections do not proceed, that P8 billion would truly go to waste,” Garcia said as some election materials would no longer be usable if the polls are reset, particularly materials that contain voter information that would have to be updated.

He also cited the limited shelf life of some election supplies, including ballpens and indelible ink.

Garcia warned that postponement could result in additional costs if the elections are held later, particularly amid the ongoing oil crisis.

The poll chief noted that the agency may need to increase the honoraria of teachers who will serve during the elections, noting that about one million teachers are expected to be deployed.

Garcia estimated that the commission could require an additional P2.5 billion to P3.5 billion due to the crisis-related increases in expenses, although he emphasized that the commission is still determining the exact amount.