ILOILO City — Several barangay officials in Iloilo City and Iloilo province expressed support for the proposed postponement of the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), saying the move could help the government conserve resources amid the ongoing crisis in the Middle East while allowing local leaders to continue ongoing programs and projects.
The BSKE is scheduled on Nov. 2 this year, but discussions on postponing the polls have gained traction due to concerns over government spending and global economic uncertainties triggered by geopolitical tensions abroad.
Barangay Captain Lilibeth Eduardo of Barangay Burgos-Mabini in La Paz district here favors the postponement.
“Frankly speaking, I am in favor of it. Our terms will be extended for several more months. But if the election pushes through, I am also ready,” Eduardo said in Hiligaynon.
Eduardo remains confident of her constituents’ support, citing her administration’s accomplishments during her two consecutive terms.
She cited her barangay’s “drug-cleared” status, “zero open defecation” status, and the maintenance of peace and order despite the presence of universities, boardinghouses, and commercial establishments in the area.
“If given another term, we will continue the projects and programs we have started,” Eduardo added.
Barangay Captain Joseph Poral of Barangay Tacas in Jaro district said he would respect whatever decision the national government makes regarding the elections.
“I don’t see any problem if they postpone it. I will simply continue serving the barangay,” he said in Hiligaynon.
“If the election proceeds, that is also fine. We will leave the decision to the people,” Poral aid.
Poral, now on his third and final term as barangay captain, said he plans to run for barangay kagawad if the elections proceed.
During his tenure, he said his barangay is peaceful and has seen the construction of a multipurpose barangay hall, health center, along with securing P10 million from the Iloilo City Government for the redevelopment of the old Uswag Gym.
Barangay Captain Ferdinand Guillem of Barangay Tigum, Pavia, Iloilo, meanwhile, said he is neutral on the issue.
“For me, it’s 50-50. I am okay whether the election pushes through or is postponed because of the crisis,” Guillem said.
Guillem, currently on his second term, said he intends to seek a third and final term regardless of whether the elections are held this year or postponed.
He added that there is nothing wrong with longer terms for barangay officials as long as they perform their duties effectively and deliver results for their constituents.
Barangay Kagawad Norman Camiros of Barangay Tigum also backed the proposed extension, saying it would allow incumbent officials more time to strengthen unity and implement development projects.
“One way to further improve our barangay is through unity. More time would allow us to better plan and implement the projects we want to bring to the barangay,” Camiros said.
Camiros, a first-term barangay kagawad who chairs the Committee on Education, said he is prepared to seek reelection if the polls proceed this year.
He also defended incumbent officials against criticism that postponing the BSKE would unnecessarily prolong their stay in office.
“That depends on the leaders sitting in office. If they are doing good and fulfilling their responsibilities, then naturally the people’s comments will also be good. But if the leaders are not performing and are ineffective, then the public reaction will be negative,” he said.
Barangay Kagawad Ma. Victoria Longno of Barangay Burgos-Mabini, La Paz likewise said she is prepared regardless of whether the elections proceed or are postponed.
“We are ready for the elections, but if the government decides that postponement is necessary, then we have no choice but to follow,” Longno said.
Longno, now on her second term as barangay kagawad, said she is not afraid of serving longer because she believes she has performed well as chairperson of the Committee on Health.
“It is not us who want the elections postponed. We are ready whether there is an election or none,” she added./PN
