JUST days after the midterm elections, the Commission on Elections (Comelec-10) announced on Wednesday, May 14, that preparations are now underway for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections scheduled for December 1.
During a “Meet the Press” forum, Comelec-10 Regional Director lawyer Renato Magbutay said the commission has already started planning for the upcoming polls, with only five months left to prepare.
Magbutay clarified that the barangay and SK elections will still be conducted manually.
“Dili kita maka automate sa atong barangay election. Lisod mag automate kay kinahanglan ka’g daghan makina, kinahanglan daghan ballot template,” Magbutay told reporters.
He also expressed support for continuing mall voting after it received positive feedback during the May 12 national and local elections.
“Maayo sya'g reception,” he said.
Magbutay added that early voting will also continue to be observed for senior citizens, pregnant women, and persons with disability.
When asked about the possibility of postponing the elections, Magbutay said that decision rests solely with Congress.
“Depende na (kana) sa next Congress. Kung muingon ang next Congress nga gusto nila i-postpone ang barangay elections, it’s really up to them,” he said.
For now, Comelec will proceed based on existing laws.
“Kay naa pa man ang balaod nga mag eleksyon ‘ta sa December 1, we have to prepare for that,” Magbutay said.
