MANILA. While the Philippine government may be able to save P11 billion if the November 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) is postponed, resetting it to a later date could cost an additional P3 billion for the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to conduct the polls.
Comelec Chairman's Statement
Comelec Chairman George Garcia explained that although postponement might yield immediate savings, it would lead to extra expenses later. "When an election is reset, we may save money amid the crisis, but there will always be additional expenses later on," Garcia said in an interview.
He added, "For now, what is clear is the amount we have left, that is what we can save. But when it is reset, we will ask for additional funds."
Current Expenditures
Of the P19 billion budget for the BSKE, the Comelec has already spent P8 billion on preparatory activities, including procurement and ballot printing. Garcia noted, "Currently, we have spent P3 billion. For the P5 billion, we will use them to pay for other contracts that the Comelec has already entered into."
Cost of Rescheduling
Resetting the BSKE to a later date would require an additional P3 billion from government funds, according to Garcia. He explained, "When the election is reset, there will be a new voter registration period. When there are additional registered voters, there will be additional precincts, additional equipment, additional ballots, additional teachers to serve each additional precinct."
Political Push for Postponement
Earlier, Deputy Speaker and Bacolod City Representative Albee Benitez advocated for another postponement of the November 2026 BSKE. Benitez argued that the funds allocated for the BSKE would be better used to help sectors affected by rising fuel prices and other basic commodities.
