MALAYBALAY CITY, BUKIDNON — With uncertainty still hanging over proposals to move the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), one thing remains clear for now: the November 2, 2026 elections are still on.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is continuing its preparations nationwide, including in Malaybalay City, because no new law has yet been enacted to postpone or reset the elections.
COMELEC Malaybalay Election Officer Atty. Danilo Dividina said preparations remain in full swing under Republic Act No. 12232, the law that currently governs the 2026 BSKE schedule. According to the local report, any change in the election timetable would require a new measure to complete the legislative process and become law.
But with Congress actively discussing proposals for longer terms for barangay and SK officials, the question now gripping communities across the Philippines is: Will voters still head to the polls this November—or will the election calendar change again?
Congress Debates a New Election Timeline
The debate intensified this week after the House Committee on Local Government approved in principle measures seeking to establish five-year terms for barangay and SK officials. The proposals are expected to be consolidated into a substitute bill, with discussions including the possibility of moving the next elections to November 2028.
In the Senate, a separate proposal has also pushed for a fixed five-year term, with supporters arguing that a longer term could provide greater continuity for grassroots governance.
However, these remain legislative proposals. Until a new law is passed and takes effect, COMELEC is legally bound to prepare for the November 2, 2026 BSKE.
COMELEC: Preparations Are Already Well Underway
COMELEC officials have repeatedly emphasized that preparations are not being put on hold while Congress debates the proposals.
The poll body has already issued its official calendar for the November 2 elections. Under COMELEC Resolution No. 11191, the filing of Certificates of Candidacy is scheduled from September 28 to October 5, 2026, while the official campaign period is set for October 22 to October 31. The election period runs from October 3 to November 9.
COMELEC also told lawmakers that election preparations—including the finalization of voter lists and procurement of key election materials—are already progressing. Officials have said the Commission is prepared to implement any new law Congress may eventually pass, but for now, its preparations remain focused on the scheduled November polls.
The 2026 BSKE is also expected to remain a manual election, with no new law changing the current process or schedule.
What Happens If the Election Is Postponed?
For many voters, another possible postponement raises a larger concern: how long can elected officials remain in office without a new vote?
Election watchdog NAMFREL has publicly opposed another postponement, arguing that regular elections are essential to protecting the public’s right to choose—or replace—their local leaders. Its Northern Mindanao representative said election spending should be viewed not simply as an expense but as an investment in the democratic rights of Filipino voters.
The issue is particularly sensitive because barangay and SK elections have already faced changes and postponements in recent years. Any new move to reset the schedule is therefore likely to face intense public debate over governance, continuity, and the voters’ right to elect their representatives.
The Countdown Is On
For now, Malaybalay residents, aspiring candidates, and voters should take note of the dates already on the official calendar.
The law currently says the BSKE will happen on November 2, 2026. COMELEC is preparing accordingly.
Whether Congress can pass—and the government can enact—a new law that changes that schedule before the electoral process moves deeper into its critical stages remains the biggest unanswered question.
Until then, the election machinery is moving forward. And as the COC filing period draws closer, the pressure is mounting for lawmakers to make their final decision.
Leave a Reply