Senator Imee Marcos has filed a measure seeking to move the November 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to October 2027, noting that the election this year will fall exactly on All Souls’ Day.

Marcos said passage of the bill into law would help Filipinos bear with the cost of traveling as the high cost of fuel could bar them from the polls and from exercising their right to suffrage

The senator said moving the date to October 2027 would help relieve Filipino families from financial strain especially since they would have to go to the provinces during electiond day.

“All Souls' Day is important for Filipinos to pay their respects to the dead, but because of increasing travel expenses, it may discourage others to go home, let alone to vote,” Marcos said.

Marcos said that while she acknowledged that these elections are vital to grassroots democracy, the current economic conditions threaten voter turnout.

"The oil crisis has triggered significant increases in transportation fares, creating a serious risk of disenfranchisement, especially for voters registered outside their residence and marginalized sectors already struggling with the cost of living," she said.

She said a postponement  of the BSKE would give voters more time to transfer their registrations, allowing them to update records and avoid expensive travel come election day.

The senator also highlighted the fiscal strain of the polls, noting that the Commission on Elections’ (COMELEC)  ₱16 billion estimate for the BSKE excludes additional funding required for support from the Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Education (DepEd), and local government units (LGUs).

“These funds may be better directed toward urgent needs such as economic relief, basic services, and crisis response,” Marcos proposed.

Moreover, she said the delay would ensure continuity in local leadership, allowing barangay officials to remain focused on community concerns amid ongoing economic challenges.

“Let us honor the departed and allow Filipinos to focus on prayer and remembrance in November, without the added strain of voting and local politicking,” she said.