MANILA, Philippines — The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has cautioned Filipinos against believing and sharing fake social media posts claiming that the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) will be held on December 14, 2026.
The misleading graphic, which circulated online beginning October 7, purported to be an official announcement from the poll body. However, COMELEC rejected the claim and reminded the public to verify election-related information through its official website and social media accounts.
The warning comes as false election schedules continue to circulate online despite the passage of a law postponing the next barangay and youth council elections until 2028.
BSKE Moved to November 2028
Under Republic Act No. 12326, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on September 24, 2026, the BSKE originally scheduled for November 2, 2026, was postponed to November 13, 2028.
The law also extended the terms of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials from three years to five years.
In its October 10 advisory, COMELEC clarified that the supposed December 14 election schedule was false. The commission urged the public not to be deceived by inaccurate information that could cause confusion about the elections.
The fact-checking organization VERA Files independently examined the circulating claim and also rated it false, confirming that the official election schedule had been misrepresented.
Fake Election Posts Also Used a November Date
The December 14 claim was not the only misleading election announcement to circulate online.
Separate posts falsely claimed that special Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections would take place nationwide on November 28, 2026.
According to COMELEC, the misleading graphics manipulated an official calendar intended for a different election: the special congressional election in Batanes.
That separate poll was scheduled to fill the House of Representatives seat left vacant following the death of Batanes Rep. Ciriaco Gato Jr. on September 21, 2026.
COMELEC clarified that the November 28 special election in Batanes should not be confused with the postponed barangay and youth council elections.
The Philippine News Agency and SunStar also reported on the commission’s warning about the false November 28 claim.
Supreme Court Case Adds to Election Uncertainty
The postponement has also faced a legal challenge. Petitions have been filed before the Supreme Court seeking to contest the implementation of Republic Act No. 12326 and push for the originally scheduled November 2 elections.
As reported by Daily Tribune on October 11, COMELEC said the law remained in effect because the Supreme Court had not issued a temporary restraining order against its implementation at that time.
Voters should distinguish between pending legal challenges and an actual court order changing the election schedule. A petition alone does not mean the postponed elections have automatically been reinstated.
How Filipinos Can Avoid Fake Election News
With misleading election graphics appearing on social media, voters are encouraged to take several precautions:
- Check official sources. Consult the COMELEC website at https://www.comelec.gov.ph/ and its verified social media accounts for election announcements.
- Verify the date and context. An official-looking graphic may have been altered or taken from a calendar intended for a different election.
- Look for independent confirmation. Check reputable news organizations and established fact-checking groups before accepting or sharing a claim.
- Avoid sharing unverified posts. Even well-intentioned sharing can spread misinformation to more voters.
What Voters Should Remember
The next regular Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections are scheduled for November 13, 2028, under Republic Act No. 12326—not December 14, 2026.
The separate November 28, 2026, special congressional election concerns Batanes and is not a nationwide BSKE.
As legal challenges and election-related discussions continue, Filipinos should rely on official announcements and credible reporting rather than viral graphics or unverified social media posts.
