Debuque urges lawful call on BSKE delay

By Mariela Angella Oladive

Iloilo Provincial Liga ng mga Barangay President Amalia Victoria F. Debuque said she would abide by whatever lawful decision is made on the proposed postponement of the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections, stressing that any move must uphold a credible and lawful electoral process.

In a statement issued April 21, Debuque said she is neither for nor against the postponement, but maintained that any delay must be based on legal grounds, necessity and transparency.

“If we are ready financially, especially in our crisis now, then we proceed. If not, then any delay must be clearly justified and never just for politics,” she said.

She said barangay residents have the right to know the basis and process behind any change in the election timetable.

Debuque also urged fellow barangay officials to continue serving with integrity and compassion while awaiting a final decision.

Her statement came after Malacañang said President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is open to proposals to postpone the 2026 BSKE if it would benefit the country.

Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said such a move could save the government about PHP 16 billion, which may be realigned to programs responding to the fuel crisis.

Castro added that the president would study any proposal filed in Congress and support it if it is found beneficial to the country.

The 2026 BSKE is scheduled for the first Monday of November under Republic Act No. 12232, which Marcos signed in August 2025 after moving the December 2025 polls.

Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections said preparations for the elections are continuing despite renewed calls for another postponement.

The BSKE covers elections for barangay officials and Sangguniang Kabataan representatives, whose terms and election schedules are set by law and may only be changed through legislation.