ILOILO City – The proposed postponement of the December 1, 2025 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) has sparked a mix of approval, concern, and caution among local officials and residents in Iloilo, as they weigh the implications of another term extension for barangay leaders.
While some incumbent officials see the potential delay as an opportunity to continue unfinished projects, others caution that extending terms must serve the public interest — not political convenience.
“It’s actually better if it’s postponed,” said Barangay Captain Joel Alvarado of Bakhaw, Mandurriao district.
If the elections push through this year, he said the current officials would have only served for two years.
“But if it’s reset to next year, they would have three years. The first year is for planning, the second for implementation — and some projects still won’t be finished by then. At least if postponed, we can complete them,” Alvarado explained.
Echoing the sentiment, Barangay Captain Lilibeth Eduardo of Burgos-Mabini in La Paz district admitted that many in office are naturally inclined to favor a delay.
“Frankly speaking, who wouldn’t agree to a postponement? We’re already here in our positions. We want to postpone the elections for now. But if they push through in December, I’m ready,” she declared.
With or without elections, Eduardo said she will continue to serve her constituents.
“We won’t spend anything if it’s postponed, and it’s my constituents who benefit, especially if the captain is doing a good job — like I am in my barangay, ” added Eduardo.
However, others are wary of the implications. For Barangay Kagawad Rosa Camba of Dungon A, Jaro district, the postponement may ease financial pressure from back-to-back elections, but it must not be abused.
“We just spent during the last election, and now here comes another. If it’s postponed, it will reduce our expenses and let us continue our programs. But holding office should not be self-serving. It may be an advantage for those who want extended service, but it’s unfair to others who don’t perform well,” said Camba.
Some officials, like Barangay Kagawad Eden Lopez of Bakhaw, Mandurriao, take a neutral stance, saying they are ready for either outcome.
“If it’s postponed, fine. If not, we’ll follow whatever the Commission on Elections (Comelec) decides. Of course, you would want it postponed to continue serving, but if they push through with it, no problem,” said Lopez.
Another official, who introduced himself only as “Totong,” a barangay treasurer, argued strongly for postponement: “They should really postpone it. We’re lacking one year of service if the elections happen this December. We’d only serve two years. We’re like caretakers of the barangay until 2026. Once you implement your priority projects, you’re out.”
But not everyone supports the idea of a reset. Some residents expressed frustration, calling for new leadership in the barangays.
“No, I don’t agree. It’s time to replace those kagawad and captains who do nothing. From what I know, each kagawad has a committee — some aren’t doing their jobs at all,” said a resident named Melchor.
Another resident, alias Maria from Mandurriao, agreed. “Yes, let’s have elections. So the captain can be replaced and others can do a better job.”
The fate of the elections now lies with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who has yet to sign the proposed measure seeking to reset the BSKE.
Some lawmakers continue to oppose the bill’s junking, keeping the debate alive over whether barangay officials will get more time — or face the electorate this December./PN
