No final decision yet on proposed deferment of barangay, SK polls – Comelec 

Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia (INQUIRER file photo)

MANILA, Philippines — The postponement of the 2022 barangay and Sangunniang Kabataan (SK) Elections is not yet final, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia said on Thursday.

The House of Representatives committee on suffrage and electoral reforms earlier approved a motion postponing the elections scheduled in December 2022.

Garcia, however, pointed out that the Senate and the House of Representatives need to reach a consensus on the matter before the postponement becomes final.

“Sa bandang huli, talagang hindi pa final kung mapo-postpone ba ang barangay at SK Election, kailangan magtugma ang gusto ng Senado at ng mababang kapulungan,” Garcia said in ann interview on ABS-CBN’s Teleradyo.

(The postponement of the barangay and SK elections is not final. The Senate and Lower House should first reach a consensus.)

Garcia said the Senate Committee on Electoral Reforms will also conduct a hearing next week to discuss the matter.

No later than the end of August

Garcia also reiterated his call for Congress to decide on the matter before the end of August. 

According to Garcia, this is because the issue requires immediate resolution, as Comelec would have to make preparations should the elections push through. 

“Subalit kami sa Comelec, pinaghahandaan namin ang December 2022 elections. Ibig sabihin, kung magdesisyon po sila na ituloy, walang problema,” Garcia said.

(The Comelec is preparing for the December 2022 Elections. If they decide to push through, there is no problem with us.)

“Kaya nakikiusap kami sa kanila na kung pupwede, kung itutuloy o hindi, bago matapos sana ang Agosto,” he added.

(We are appealing to congress to decide on the matter before the end of August.)

Garcia said that they would have to start printing the ballots in September up to mid-October if the Congress decides to continue the elections on December 5. 

 gsg