ILOILO — As talks of another delay in the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) gain traction, Iloilo Provincial Liga ng mga Barangay president Amalia Victoria Debuque has taken a neutral stance, stressing that the integrity and legality of the elections must come first amid growing national debate.
Debuque, in an official statement, said barangay officials in Iloilo will abide by whatever decision is reached by the national government and the Supreme Court, but emphasized that any move — whether to proceed or postpone — must be anchored on transparency, legality, and public interest.
“I am not for or against postponement – but I strongly stand for a credible, and lawful election,” Debuque said.
She underscored that financial readiness should be a key consideration, especially amid ongoing economic challenges.
“If we are ready financially especially in our crisis now, then we proceed. If not, then any delay must be clearly justified and never just for politics,” she added.
Debuque further stressed that any changes to the electoral timeline must meet strict standards.
“Any changes must be legal, necessary, and transparent. After all, the people of our barangay has the right to know the process,” she said.
Despite uncertainties surrounding the elections, she called on fellow barangay officials to remain focused on public service “nga may integridad kag may puso para sa aton mga kabarangayan.”
Debuque’s statement comes as Malacañang confirmed that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is open to proposals to postpone the 2026 BSKE anew, citing potential savings of up to P16 billion that could be redirected to address pressing national concerns such as rising fuel costs.
“Ang Pangulo at ang gobyerno pong ito ay open sa lahat ng maaaring suggestion na siyang makakabuti sa ating bansa,” said Presidential Communications Office undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said during a press briefing in Iloilo City.
Castro noted that while proposals for postponement may be entertained, the President will still carefully study any measure filed in Congress before making a decision.
In August 2025, Marcos signed Republic Act No. 12232, moving the BSKE from December 2025 to the first Monday of November 2026. Meanwhile, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) has maintained that preparations for the polls are ongoing and will not go to waste even if another postponement is approved./PN
