Manila: Preparations for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) this December will continue despite moves to postpone, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Tuesday. "We don't allow these developments in Congress to affect our ongoing preparations for the BSKE," Comelec Chairperson George Garcia said in an online interview.

According to Philippines News Agency, Garcia was referring to the House of Representatives' approval of a bill seeking to extend the term of incumbent barangay and SK officials. If the bill is passed into law, the next BSKE will be held in May 2029. Garcia stated that until such a law is passed, the Comelec "has no choice but to prepare for the BSKE" scheduled on Dec. 1.

He further added that suspending the preparations "would be riskier." Garcia also noted that indelible ink and ballot boxes have already been purchased for the upcoming BSKE, indicating the commission's commitment to proceed with the electoral process as planned.