Comelec not surprised by Congress OK on barangay, SK polls postponement

MANILA, Philippines—The Commission on Elections (Comelec) said Monday it is not surprised by the House of Representatives’ approval of a measure postponing the village and youth council elections from May 2020 to Dec. 5, 2022.

“This does not come as a surprise,” Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said, adding that the poll body had, in fact, “slowed down preparations for the Barangay Elections of 2020 in anticipation of this legislation.”

“With the approval of the House and the looming decision of the Senate on the same matter, the Comelec is looking forward to focusing on the process of re-starting the continuing registration and, in the longer term, preparing for the 2022 National and Local Elections,” Jimenez added.

The original version of House Bill No. 4933 sought to postpone the 2020 barangay and SK elections to May 2023. However, it was amended to change the rescheduled poll date to December 2022.

Under the measure, the village elections after 2022 ballotting will happen on the first Monday of December 2025 and every three years thereafter.

The Senate gave its nod to a similar proposal last September 30.

President Rodrigo Duterte, during his fourth State of the Nation Address last July, urged Congress to postpone the 2020 barangay and SK elections.

READ: Senate approves barangay, SK elections postponement bill on third reading

READ: Duterte calls on Congress: Postpone barangay polls from 2020 to 2022

READ: House OKs barangay, SK polls postponement to Dec. 5, 2022