The Commission on Elections (Comelec) continues to prepare for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) amid proposals on both chambers of Congress to postpone the Nov. 2 exercise.

In an interview, Garcia said in the absence of a law postponing the BSKE, the Comelec will have to continue with the elections.

“There is nothing the Comelec can do because, as of today, the law mandates an election on November 2. We will implement and abide by the existing law,” he said.

“We hope we will not be reprimanded or blamed for not halting our preparations because that is part of the Comelec’s duty,” he added, noting the need for them to receive the poll paraphernalia and supplies that they have already procured.

On Tuesday, the House of Representatives approved on third and final reading House Bill No. 10971, while Senate Bill No. 2387, was approved on second reading on Wednesday.

Both measures seek to move the BSKE from the first Monday of November 2026 to the first Monday of November 2028.

Garcia said they will abide by the decision of Congress on whether or not to push through with the holding of the BSKE.

“As for the schedule of the election, that is up to Congress. We will just implement and abide by whatever the law mandates,” he said. (PNA)