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Manila Bulletin devider Philippines devider National devider Palace open to postponing 2026 barangay, SK polls amid energy crisis

Palace open to postponing 2026 barangay, SK polls amid energy crisis

Published Apr 17, 2026 01:03 pm
Malacañan Palace (Manila Bulletin/File Photo)
Malacañan Palace (Manila Bulletin/File Photo)

Malacañang said it is open to proposals to postpone the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), as some lawmakers push the move to save government funds amid the ongoing energy crisis due to the war in the Middle East.

In a press briefing in Iloilo City on Friday, April 17, Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary Claire Castro said President Marcos is willing to study any proposal that would benefit the country.

“Nabanggit nga po na maaaring makatipid ng 16 billion (It was mentioned that the government could save P16 billion),” she said.

“Kung magkakaroon po sila ng anumang bill… basta po ito’y makakabuti sa ating bansa, open po ang Pangulo para diyan (If there will be any bill… as long as it will benefit the country, the President is open to it),” she added.

She stressed, however, that any decision will depend on legislation and the President’s review.

Castro reiterated that the administration remains open to “all suggestions” that could help the country amid the national energy emergency.

The next BSKE is currently scheduled for November 2026, following an earlier postponement signed into law by President Marcos.

Under Republic Act No. 12232, the December 2025 elections were moved to November 2026, while extending the term of barangay and SK officials from three years to four years. The law allows barangay officials to serve up to three consecutive terms, while SK officials are limited to one term.

Marcos earlier justified the postponement, citing concerns raised by the Commission on Elections (Comelec) about handling multiple major elections and highlighting the importance of the first-ever Bangsamoro Parliament elections, scheduled ahead of the BSKE.

He said ensuring the success of the BARMM polls is critical to sustaining the peace process in Mindanao.

“Kung mag-fail iyon… malaking failure ‘yan sa peace process (If that fails… it would be a major failure in the peace process),” he said.

Barangay and SK elections have historically been subject to postponements.

The 2020 BSKE was first moved to December 2022 and later to October 2023 to allow budget realignment for pandemic recovery.

Related Tags

BSKE Claire Castro Barangay and SK elections
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