Majority of BSKE winners to assume office after proclamation — Comelec

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, October 24) — Most of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials are expected to assume office right after their proclamation on Oct. 30, according to the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

The Supreme Court earlier ruled as unconstitutional Republic Act No. 11935, the act that postponed the village and youth council polls from its initial December 2022 schedule to the last Monday of October this year.

However, it said the BSKE set for October shall proceed out of legal practicality and necessity.

"Pagka-proclaim nila ngayong Oct. 30, kinabukasan dapat mag-a-assume na kaagad sila sa pwesto," Comelec Chairman George Garcia said in a press briefing.

[Translation: After they were proclaimed on Oct. 30, they should immediately assume office.]

Despite the Dec. 5, 2022 postponement, the Comelec said the term of office of barangay and SK officials officially started on Jan. 1, 2023 following the ruling of the high court.

Garcia said proclamation will be at around 9 p.m. during election day, but in areas with automated elections, the proclamation will begin earlier at 6 p.m.

He previously said that automated village and youth polls will be held in two barangays in Dasmarinas, Cavite, and in Pasong Tamo in Quezon City.

Casting of votes in Metro Manila, Legazpi City in Albay, and Cebu City can also be done in malls.

The Comelec also approved a resolution allowing the suspension of the proclamation of the winning candidates with unresolved cases before the poll body.

READ: Comelec to suspend proclamation of BSKE winners with unresolved cases 

Garcia said all pending cases of the candidates will be resolved within two weeks after the election on Oct. 30.

If proven to have committed election offenses, the winning candidate will be disqualified from his position.

The poll chief also told reporters that only one of two elections to be held in 2025 will be automated. The country will hold the midterm national elections in May 2025 and the BSKE elections in December of the same year.

"It may happen sa 2025 na dalawang election na automated at manual sa barangay at SK elections," he said.

[Translation: In 2025, we have two elections. One is automated and one manual in the barangay and SK elections.]

Congress approved ₱22 billion for the 2025 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), ₱8 billion less than what the Comelec was requesting, according to Garcia.