BACOLOD CITY – The Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on Dec. 1 are pushing through, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia said here.
GARCIA (Glazyl Masculino)
“It’s a go,” Garcia said, expressing confidence that Congress will soon finalize the bill affirming the Dec. 1 election date.
“Without preempting the action of the Congress, I honestly believe the BSKE will proceed as scheduled,” Garcia said in a media interview during his visit here.
Garcia said that there is also a proposal to extend the term of elected BSKE officials from three to four years, allowing one reelection.
He noted, however, that amendments might still emerge during the bicameral conference committee.
Even if there’s a chance of postponement, Garcia said they can’t afford delays and they need to move forward with preparations.
“We don’t want to take chances. At least kami ay handa (At least we are ready),” he added.
The Comelec said they are 55 percent ready for the BSKE.
Preparations include coordination with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) for security, procurement of ballot boxes, and training of teachers for manual voting, especially those who did not serve in past manual polls.
Garcia stressed the importance of voter’s registration from July 1 to 11.
The Comelec aims to register one million voters as part of its long-term goal of reaching 71 million voters by 2028.
“We are focusing now on voter’s registration because it is very important to educate the public about it,” Garcia said.
The 11-day registration will include new voters, reactivation, updating, and transfer of registration.
Voter turnout in the recent midterm elections in Negros Island was reported at 82 percent, close to the national average of 82.2 percent.
The filing of Certificates of Candidacy for BSKE is scheduled from Oct. 1 to 7 while the campaign period will be held from Nov. 25 to 29.
Voting will be from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., with early voting hours designated for senior citizens, Persons with Disabilities (PWDs), and pregnant women.
Polling centers will also be established for evacuees displaced by Kanlaon Volcano.