Davao Oriental Representative Cheeno Miguel Almario proposed to postpone the December 2022 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to October 9, 2023.

Almario argued that Filipinos have to “buy more time” to recover from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. He added that the roughly Php10 billion that would have been spent for the elections could instead be used for initiatives that can help people safe and help the economy recover.

“…The May 9, 2022 National and Local elections ushered in new sets of officials, elected and re-elected, who will definitely benefit from the experience of the existing barangay and SK officials in fighting the pandemic. Replacing these barangay and SK officials with a new set at this time, when the country is still trying to get back on its feet, will be counterproductive,” Almario said.

Almario also pointed out that  postponing the barangay and SK elections would allow time “to heal the wounds” caused by the May 2022 elections.

Several similar proposals were raised by other representatives. Cebu City Representative Rachel del Mar has filed a bill proposing to move the BSKE to December 4, 2023. 

Meanwhile, Quezon City Representative Ralph Tulfo has agreed to postpone the BSKE, but has said  that May 2023 would be an ideal schedule.

“Palagay ko po ay tamang timpla na ang May 8, 2023 bilang bagong petsa ng halalan para sa Barangay at SK–hindi masyadong malapit, hindi rin masyadong malayo (I think May 8, 2023 is the perfect fit for the new date of the Barangay and SK elections–not too soon and not too far),” Tulfo said.

Tulfo added that the barangay and SK leaders are the first line of public service most Filipinos experience on a daily basis, stressing that it is crucial that their mandates are renewed often to make sure “the local leaders continue to have the consent of the governed.”

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