ILOILO City — Growing calls from residents to proceed with the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) on November 2, 2026 are intensifying, as opposition mounts against proposals to postpone the polls and extend the terms of incumbent barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials.
The debate, triggered by signals from Malacañang to consider delaying the elections to save government funds, has divided public opinion, with many Ilonggos insisting that democratic processes must not be compromised despite fiscal concerns.
“Pila naman ang ila nga term..baylo naman eh. If tapos na ang term, mas nami mag election na para mabuslan naman ang dapat manaog sa pwesto,” said Celestino Solis, a 52-year-old tricycle driver from Barangay Punong, Lapuz district.
Solis acknowledged that their barangay captain is performing well but stressed that elections must proceed as scheduled.
“Sa amon nga barangay, okay ang kapitan. Ti, sa akon ‘ya ‘di na dapat pag i-cancel ah, dayunon na lang gid. Tapos na ang term mo, dapat election naman,” he added.
Similar sentiments were echoed by younger residents, particularly among the youth sector, who see the elections as a chance to inject new leadership and accountability.
“Dapat madayon. Kay gusto bala namon maislan subong ang mga nagapungko,” said Kelly, an 18-year-old college student from Pavia, Iloilo.
She cited dissatisfaction with the lack of progress in her barangay.
“Wala gid bala pagbag-o, daw wala man ga-improve ang amon barangay,” she said, adding, “parehas sa mga pahampang, sa fiesta wala gid improvement.”
Kelly emphasized the need for proactive and accountable leaders, saying, “Gusto ko may abtik tapos gapamatuod gid bala.”
However, some residents favor postponement, citing financial strain on the government.
“Dapat indi lang anay madayon kay magastos,” said Leonida Joaquin, a 70-year-old kakanin vendor from Barangay Cabugao Norte, Pavia, Iloilo.
She added: “Puro pa daan kalalat-an, puro gastos. Okay lang nga parehas nga opisyal mapungko sa amon barangay,” she added.
Another vendor, Lorlie Frugalidad, echoed concerns over government spending.
“Damo galastusan subong, ‘di na gani kasarang ang gobyerno ta,” she said.
Despite these concerns, other residents questioned the rationale behind any postponement.
“Syempre kinahanglan madayon ang election. Kag nga-a abi indi madayon? Sa ano nga rason?” said alias “Wen,” a 56-year-old resident from Baldoza, La Paz district. “Sobra na term nila. Dapat bag-uhon naman administrasyon ta.”
Amid the ongoing debate, election officials in Iloilo City are continuing preparations for the BSKE, pending any law from Congress that would authorize a postponement.
At the same time, all barangays and SK units in Western Visayas have been directed to complete an inventory and turnover of government properties, funds, and records by the end of 2026.
The directive, under Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Memorandum Circular No. 2026-021, aims to ensure accountability and a smooth transition of leadership.
DILG regional director Juan Jovian Ingeniero urged local officials to begin preparations as early as September and strictly comply with turnover timelines, warning that non-compliance may result in legal action./PN
