Comelec expects SC petitions vs BSKE postponement

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The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is expecting the filing of petitions before the Supreme Court (SC) challenging the postponement of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) in November 2026.

“Ang problem po talaga namin ay paano nga kung may pumunta sa Korte Suprema at magkaroon ng tinatawag na injunctive restraining order,” Comelec Chairman George Garcia told Super Radyo dzBB in an interview.

(Our problem is what if someone goes to the Supreme Court and gets an injunctive restraining order.

Canceled COC filing, preps

“Samantala, ika-cancel na rin po namin ang filing ng certificates of candidacy at ibang aktibidad bilang isang natural consequence,” he added.

(Meanwhile, we are already canceling the filing of certificates of candidacy and other activities as a natural consequence..)

Garcia said the poll body has moved to halt all election preparations, including the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) originally set to run from September 28 until October 5.

He warned that if a restraining order is issued late, election operations would be disrupted.

A delay stretching into the second week of October would make it impossible to conduct the elections in November 2026 due to halted logistics, canceled teacher training sessions, and suspended COC filings, he said.

Meanwhile, Garcia said all election-related prohibitions and restrictions in connection to the November 2026 schedule including on public works and social assistance are no longer in effect.

On the financial impact of the postponement, Garcia clarified that the P8 billion already spent on election materials, such as printed ballots, indelible ink, ballpens, and thumbprint takers, will not be wasted.

Comelec plans to issue a resolution declaring that all printed ballots and purchased paraphernalia will be preserved and utilized for the rescheduled election in November 2028.

However, moving the election date will require significant additional funding, Garcia said.

According to Garcia, halting the polls means voter registration will have to reopen around November and run through July of next year.

This will require more precincts, additional ballots, and increased funding to hire more teachers and election personnel, he added.

Comelec’s budget has a remaining balance of around P11 billion in the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

Garcia said that these remaining funds will be used in preparing for the 2028 polls.—AOL, GMA News