The Commission on Elections emphasized that ballots have already been printed, while only a few remaining materials are still being procured for the upcoming Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
According to Comelec Chairman George Garcia, the poll body is already 90% to 95% ready for the elections.
Garcia also reiterated that it would be better to proceed with the elections despite calls from some lawmakers to postpone the BSKE and reallocate the unused funds to address the ongoing energy crisis.
He stressed that elections strengthen the mandate of barangay officials, and if the public is no longer satisfied with their leadership, the polls will also serve as an opportunity to replace them.
Meanwhile, the number of registered voters for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections has climbed to 4.4 million.
Based on data from the Comelec, Calabarzon recorded the highest number of registrants with more than 700,000 new voters.
This was followed by Central Luzon with over 500,000 new voters, and Metro Manila with more than 468,000.
Meanwhile, the Cordillera Administrative Region posted the lowest number of registered voters, with only more than 61,000.
Comelec also reminded the public that voter registration will only run until May 18.
The BSKE is scheduled to take place on November 2 this year.
(PHOTO COURTESY: Comelec)
