By Glazyl M. Jopson
BACOLOD CITY – It’s a go.
This was the statement of Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia when asked about the conduct of the Dec. 1 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
“Without preempting the action of Congress, I honestly believe the Dec. 1 BSKE will proceed as scheduled,” Garcia said.
He shared that reliable sources informed Comelec that Congress is finalizing a bill that includes provisions allowing the BSKE to proceed.
The bill also proposes extending the term of elected BSKE officials to four years instead of three, subject to one reelection.
Garcia noted that changes could still arise during the bicameral conference committee’s deliberations.
“In the meantime, whether or not the election will push through, Comelec must continue preparations,” he added.
“Even though there’s a possibility of postponement, we still have to proceed.”
During his visit to Bacolod City on Monday, Garcia said Comelec is about 55 percent ready for the BSKE.
He said they have already coordinated with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) for election security.
“Every day is important for Comelec because our preparations could be compromised,” Garcia said.
“We don’t want to take chances. At least we are ready,” he added.
He said the agency has started procuring ballot boxes and will begin training teachers for the manual elections.
“Not all teachers have served in manual elections,” Garcia said, noting the need for training and refresher sessions following the automated May 12 midterm elections.
He also reported that voter turnout in the Negros Island Region (NIR) during the recent midterms reached 82 percent, close to the national turnout of 82.2 percent.
Garcia urged the public to register for the BSKE, with Comelec targeting 1 million registrants during the July 1–11 registration period.
“We are focusing now on voter registration and educating the public on its significance,” he said.
This includes new voter registration, reactivation, updates and transfer of registration.
Garcia said Comelec is targeting 71 million registered voters for the 2028 national elections.
The filing of certificates of candidacy for the BSKE is scheduled from Oct. 1 to 7.
The campaign period will run from Nov. 25 to 29.
Voting on Dec. 1 will be from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Comelec will again implement early voting hours for senior citizens, persons with disabilities (PWDs) and pregnant women.
Garcia also said polling centers will be established for evacuees affected by Kanlaon Volcano.
