Comelec reiterates: December 2025 BSKE elections to push through

Local

DESPITE a pending bill in Congress that seeks to extend the terms of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has reiterated that the December 1, 2025 elections will push through as scheduled.

Comelec-Central Visayas Director Francisco Pobe said on Tuesday, June 10, they are not wasting time to prepare, as for them, there will be no postponement of the December elections.

Pobe explained that the commission is bound to follow Comelec Resolution No. 11132, which outlines the general guidelines for the conduct of the barangay and SK elections (BSKE), regardless of pending legislation.

Pobe also reminded the public that voter registration will begin on July 1.

The election period will run from October 27 to December 31, while the filing of certificates of candidacy is set for October 1 to 7.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives on Monday approved on third and final reading a bill seeking to extend the terms of barangay and SK officials from three to six years.

House Bill 11287, which proposes amendments to the Local Government Code, passed with 153 affirmative votes, four negative votes, and one abstention. The measure also aims to move the next BSKE to May 2029.

Kabataan party-list Rep. Raoul Manuel opposed the bill, questioning the logic behind the proposed extension. He argued that if three years are deemed insufficient for barangay officials to perform their duties, then the same could be said for lawmakers.

Assistant Majority Leader Arnan Panaligan, however, countered that the responsibilities of barangay officials and members of Congress differ in both scope and function.(MyTVCebu)