Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is advocating for the law postponing the November 2 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to be enacted before the filing of certificates of candidacy (COCs) begins on September 28.

According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec Chairperson George Garcia emphasized in a radio interview that unless the postponement law is passed by the end of the month, the scheduled filing of COCs from September 28 to October 5 will proceed as planned. Garcia highlighted the urgency for clarity on the law before the filing date to avoid unnecessary actions.

Garcia elaborated on the complexities involved, noting that the postponement is likely, given that the House of Representatives has adopted the Senate's version of the measure. However, he pointed out that the process requires forwarding to the Presidential Palace, where it awaits the President's signature. Moreover, the decision could face legal challenges, potentially reaching the Supreme Court.

He underscored the importance of continuing preparations for the elections, citing the uncertainty surrounding the President's actions, potential vetoes, or a Supreme Court temporary restraining order (TRO). Garcia stressed that halting preparations could lead to unpreparedness should the elections proceed on November 2 under any unforeseen circumstances.

The preparations include the training of teachers who will serve as Electoral Boards and the deployment of election materials and equipment. Garcia noted that many teachers, accustomed to automated elections, require immediate training for the manual process of the BSKE. He mentioned the logistical challenge of mobilizing one million teachers, emphasizing that training cannot be compressed into a single week.

Further logistical concerns involve the deployment of election equipment, which needs to be shipped by the first week of October. Garcia stated that recalling deployed equipment would be prohibitively expensive.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has adopted the Senate's approved measure to reschedule the BSKE to November 2028, which includes provisions for five-year terms for village and youth officials. President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has indicated that he will review the bill's provisions before making a decision.