The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has firmly stated its opposition to a potential plan of holding the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections simultaneously with the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections later this year.
Two Different Systems, One Major Problem
Comelec Chairman George Garcia, in an interview on Thursday, January 15, 2026, explained that the primary hurdle is the fundamental difference in how the two polls are conducted. He emphasized that the Bangsamoro elections are fully automated, while the Barangay and SK Elections (BSKE) remain a manual process.
"It is difficult to run two systems in a single election," Garcia stated. The logistical challenge would require Comelec to deploy two separate Electoral Boards in every polling precinct within the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM). One board would handle the manual BSKE ballots, while another would manage the automated machines for the parliamentary vote.
Potential for Confusion and Chaos
Garcia outlined additional complications that could arise from merging the schedules. For instance, the filing of Certificates of Candidacy (COCs) for BSKE candidates in the BARMM would need to be moved earlier, as their names must be printed on the official ballots.
Another concern involves voter eligibility. New voters who register and become eligible for the November BSKE might demand to also vote in the Bangsamoro polls, which are restricted to those registered for the May 2025 national elections. "We do not want to have that kind of chaos anymore," the Comelec chief stressed, highlighting the desire to avoid administrative confusion and potential disputes.
Seeking a Legislative Solution
This position comes as a contingency plan, in case the originally scheduled date for the Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections—March 30, 2026—becomes unfeasible. The Comelec has already reached out to the legislative branch for guidance.
On Wednesday, January 14, the poll body confirmed it has asked Congress to pass a law that would establish a new date for the Bangsamoro elections should the March schedule need to be postponed. This move underscores the commission's view that holding it alongside the November 2, 2026 BSKE is not a viable alternative due to the operational and systemic conflicts identified.
