Senator Imee Marcos has called for the postponement of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) scheduled for November 2026, citing the national emergency due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
"The state of emergency presents uncertainties about its duration, making it a serious consideration for postponement," she stated during a recent visit to Cebu.
Marcos highlighted that Republic Act No. 12232, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. in August 2025, extends the terms of barangay and SK officials to four years, suggesting compliance with this law.
The senator previously filed a measure to move the BSKE to October 2027, noting that the current election date falls on All Souls' Day.
Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Garcia mentioned that rescheduling the election could be problematic, considering the preparations needed for the 2028 national and local elections.
Marcos expressed concerns about the chaos that could ensue if voters are forced to choose between visiting polling places and cemeteries on November 2.
Why is the election date All Souls' Day? Voters could become confused. Where will they go — to the voting precinct or cemetery?
Imee Marcos
The timing of the BSKE is also close to the first regular elections in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), scheduled for September 2026.
Marcos emphasized the need for adequate preparation time for both elections, especially since the BARMM elections will be automated while the BSKE will be conducted manually.
She argued that holding the elections under the current circumstances would disenfranchise many voters and suggested postponing the BSKE to alleviate the pressure on citizens and the electoral process.
Marcos concluded that supporting barangays during this crisis is crucial, rather than forcing them into a challenging election scenario.