ILOILO City – The postponement of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE), originally slated for Dec. 1, 2025, has triggered a clear split in public opinion, with barangay officials largely welcoming the move while many residents push for a timely vote to replace underperforming leaders.
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. recently signed into law the bill deferring the polls to November 2026, extending the terms of incumbent barangay and SK officials for one year.
For some barangay leaders here, the delay offers a chance to complete pending projects and sustain leadership stability.
“May election ukon wala, okay gid ako ya. Wala ko nakulbaan,” said Barangay Kagawad Rubylar Lagaña of Bakhaw, Mandurriao district. “Kon ma-extend, ang mga wala mo matapos nga programa, matigayon mo nga tapuson.”
“Kon madayon, okay. Kon indi madayon, wala man ya problema sa amon. Decision na ya ka Malacanang,” said Barangay Kagawad Joel Pedrosa. “Kon ma-extend ang term, ara malang kami sa dalom, kon ano man ya ang decision sang babaw narespeto namon.”
Punong Barangay Joel Alvarado of Bakhaw, Mandurriao, said the postponement would give officials more time to deliver results.
“Mas okay nga ma-postpone… Ang una nga tuig, nagahimo kita sang mga programa kag proyekto. So sa ika-duha nga tuig, ara da ang implementation. Kun kaisa indi pa ina matapos, continuing project pa ina. So mas maayo gid nga ma-postpone, at least matapos ang mga proyekto,” he said.
“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. With or without elections, I am ready to serve,” said Barangay Captain Lilibeth Eduardo of Barangay Burgos-Mabini, La Paz district.
But among residents, frustration simmers over perceived incompetence and repetitive, low-impact programs.
“Yes na yes. Hay wala man improvement ang barangay. Kon pwede gani kuhaon na lang ang SK kay ang ila program sulit-sulit lang. every year tree planting, beauty pageant, wala pulos bala. Gasto lang kag waste ka kwarta,” said Elaisha Leonor.
“Mas maayo gid kon mag-election eh… para ma islan na ang wala pulos,” said Nanay Edith.
Others see merit in postponement, citing reduced expenses and uninterrupted program delivery.
Barangay Kagawad Rosa Camba of Dungon A, Jaro district, said, “If it’s postponed, it will reduce our expenses and let us continue our programs. But holding office should not be self-serving… it’s unfair to others who don’t perform well.”
“Ga depende man na abi how competent the officials are,” said Sugar./PN
