President Marcos open to postpone barangay, SK elections again, cites potential P16-B savings

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is open to postpone the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) again if such a move would serve the country’s interests and could also generate significant fiscal savings.

Presidential Communications Office (PCO) Undersecretary and Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said the possible postponement could save the government an estimated P16 billion.

“Nabanggit nga po na maaaring makatipid ng P16 billion para dito po kung hindi maitutuloy ang nasabing eleksiyon,” Castro said during a briefing at the RDC Hall of the Department of Economy, Planning, and Development (DEPD) Region VI in Iloilo City.

She said this is in response to a call by Deputy Speaker and Bacolod City Rep. Albee Benitez for a six-month delay of the BSKE, citing concerns related to tensions in the Middle East.

“Ang Pangulo at ang gobyerno pong ito ay open sa lahat ng maaaring suggestion na siyang makakabuti sa ating bansa,” Castro said.

She also noted that any bill seeking to postpone the 2026 BSKE would still undergo review by the President, who would consider supporting it if it proves beneficial to the public.

“So, kung magkakaroon po sila ng anumang bill or panukala po dito at aaralin po ‘to ng Pangulo – basta po ito’y makakabuti sa ating bansa, open po ang Pangulo para diyan,” she said.

Marcos signed Republic Act No. 12232 in August 2025, which moved the December 2025 BSKE to the first Monday of November 2026.

On the other hand, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) said preparations for the 2026 polls will continue despite its possible postponement, and that ongoing work will not go to waste.