The Commission on Elections is ready to comply with whatever ruling the Supreme Court may issue on the petition questioning the postponement of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections or BSKE.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the poll body is prepared in terms of budget and operations should the Supreme Court issue a ruling on the matter.
However, Garcia said the BSKE will no longer push through on its original November 2 schedule after the Comelec suspended all election-related activities following the enactment of the new law.
Meanwhile, the Comelec has already spent around P8 billion for preparations for the 2026 BSKE, including equipment, ballots and manpower.
Garcia said most of the procured equipment may still be used in future elections, provided these are properly stored.
Meanwhile, unused funds for the BSKE may be redirected to preparations for the 2028 national elections.
The Comelec’s proposed 2027 budget under the National Expenditure Program stands at P29.5 billion, 46 percent higher than the previous allocation, mainly due to preparations for the 2028 elections.
(Photo Courtesy: COMELEC)
