Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) continues to prepare for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) despite ongoing proposals in both chambers of Congress to postpone the November 2 exercise.

According to Philippines News Agency, Comelec's Garcia emphasized that in the absence of a law postponing the BSKE, the commission must proceed with the elections. "There is nothing the Comelec can do because, as of today, the law mandates an election on November 2. We will implement and abide by the existing law," Garcia stated. He expressed hope that the commission would not be reprimanded or blamed for continuing its preparations, as it is part of their duty to ensure the availability of poll paraphernalia and supplies procured for the election.

Earlier this week, the House of Representatives approved House Bill No. 10971 on its third and final reading, while Senate Bill No. 2387 was passed on its second reading. Both legislative measures aim to reschedule the BSKE from the first Monday of November 2026 to the first Monday of November 2028.

Garcia assured that Comelec would adhere to Congress's decision regarding the election's schedule. "As for the schedule of the election, that is up to Congress. We will just implement and abide by whatever the law mandates," he concluded.