By Katrina Gracia Consebido
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed into law the measure postponing this year’s Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) to October 2023.
The signing of Republic Act 11935 was confirmed by Comelec Chairperson George Erwin Garcia in a statement.
“As I have said before, the Comelec shall comply with the law. I have conveyed the Comelec position with regard to postponement of the BSKE to the legislature and the President and I trust that such position was duly noted and considered,” Garcia said.
Due to the postponement of the said polls, Garcia said that they will resume voters’ registration to “ensure the larger participation of the citizenry.”
There will also be an adjustment of calendar activities in their commission and a revisitation of present procurement contracts regarding Barangay and SK elections.
“This postponement also gives this Commission an opportunity to further institute education and information programs for the benefit of our electorate and prospective BSKE candidates,” he added.
Garcia said they will continue gearing up for the BSKE in 2023 and are hoping that local candidates “take this time to prepare and reflect on their rights and duties which they will exercise through their ballots and eventual offices.” -ag