MANILA – President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is set to sign into law the postponement of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), a calculated move aimed at giving the Commission on Elections (Comelec) undivided focus on the country’s first-ever regular parliamentary polls in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM).
Far from being a routine election adjustment, the decision carries heavy political and peace process implications. For the first time in Philippine history, BARMM voters will directly elect their parliament—a milestone Marcos warns must not fail.
“You have to remember, the BARMM election is the first time we would ever have this kind of election at all. Sa buong kasaysayan ng Pilipinas, hindi pa nagkaroon ng BARMM parliament na hinalal ng tao,” Marcos said.
“If that election fails, malaking failure ‘yan sa peace process. Kaya’t kailangang-kailangang maging matagumpay ang pagganap ng halalan ng BARMM,” he added.
Marcos revealed that Comelec itself pushed for the BSKE deferment, citing the logistical strain of managing both a nationwide grassroots election and the high-stakes BARMM polls in quick succession.
Anticipating criticism, the President stressed that the move complies with the Supreme Court’s ruling on the fixed term of barangay officials.
“On the Supreme Court decision that we cannot shorten the term of the barangay officials, we’re actually lengthening. That’s not in conflict,” he said.
Describing the measure as the “most sensible” course of action, Marcos framed it as a strategic step to safeguard not just electoral integrity but also the stability of a fragile peace process in the south./PN
