By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has suspended the delivery of supplies and election paraphernalia for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) as Congress weighs proposals to postpone the Nov. 2 polls.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia said suppliers have been directed to hold the delivery of election materials already procured through public bidding until lawmakers settle whether the elections will proceed as scheduled.
“We are holding off on the delivery of the supplies for now. We want to make sure and get clear confirmation on whether the elections is pushing through or not,” Garcia said.
He said delivery could be completed quickly once a final decision is made, noting that the procurement process has already been completed.
The Comelec is also preparing to defer the training of teachers and other personnel who would serve during the BSKE. Garcia said the training, originally planned for mid-September, has yet to begin.
“The training of our teachers serving in the elections hasn’t started yet. It will begin some three weeks from now,” he said.
Garcia said proceeding with the training would require the Comelec to shoulder expenses for venues, transportation and meals, making a clear decision on the elections increasingly important.
The poll body chief renewed his appeal to the Senate and House of Representatives to resolve the issue soon, saying the Comelec needs sufficient time to adjust its preparations.
“We continue to appeal for a clear answer this September on whether the BSKE will push through or not,” Garcia said.
Sen. Francis Escudero has filed a bill seeking to extend the terms of barangay and SK officials to five years and reset the elections to 2028.
Negros Occidental Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez has likewise filed a measure seeking to postpone the Nov. 2 polls and move the next BSKE to November 2028.
Until Congress reaches a decision, the Comelec is keeping key logistical preparations on hold to avoid unnecessary expenses and disruptions to the electoral timetable.
ia/xf
