LEGAZPI CITY, Albay — Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Bicol Director Maria Juana Valeza said they were dismayed by the postponement of the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), which were initially slated on November 2.
In an interview with Bombo Radyo Legazpi, Valeza said they “could not help but feel dismay” after investing labor and finances in BSKE preparations, including pre-certificate of candidacy (COC) filing and printing of the initial voter list.
“It’s a mixed emotion on our part kasi nga pinaghirapan namin yung aming preparation for this BSKE,” Valeza said.
“Actually, nag-overlap na nga po yung mga trabaho namin, and of course, gumastos na po tayo,” she added.
The elections were moved to the second Monday of November 2028 following President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signing of Republic Act No. 12326 on September 24, which extends the tenure of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to five years.
The COMELEC director said they understood the reason for the extension of barangay and SK officials’ terms, and expressed their willingness to abide by the newly approved law.
“At nakita naman natin ang batas is meron talagang ibibigay na pagsasanay dito sa mga members ng Sanggunian para ho talagang maging maayos po ang pagpapatakbo nila ng ating mga barangay kasi ayun naman talaga ang dinudulugan natin; sila ang first line of ayuda and defense natin sa communities natin,” Valeza further explained.
Marcos previously said the extension of the barangay and SK officials’ term gives them “additional time to be accountable to the people.”
The commission, nonetheless, said it would continue its preparations for the presidential elections in 2028.
Meanwhile, RA 12326 is currently challenged in a petition filed by lawyer Romulo Macalintal before the Supreme Court on Sunday, September 27, where the high court was asked to declare the law unconstitutional.
Written by Mark Angelo Dominguez, Insight PH
Mark Angelo Dominguez, Insight PH is a dedicated campus journalist and contributor. Their insightful writing sparks meaningful conversations and keeps the community informed.
