The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is anticipating a possible legal challenge before the Supreme Court once President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signs the proposed law postponing the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) scheduled for later this year.

President Marcos is expected to sign the bill this week, citing the need for COMELEC to focus its resources on the upcoming Bangsamoro Parliamentary Elections in October. 

However, COMELEC Chairman George Erwin Garcia warned that the law’s legality could be questioned, prompting a potential restraining order from the Supreme Court.

Kunyari na pong mapirmahan ng ating pangulo pupwede pong may pumunta sa Korte Suprema kumuha ng restraining order. Pag nagkaganun tuloy ang December 1 Barangay and SK Elections. Madami pong posibilidad na nangyari (If the President signs it, someone might go to the Supreme Court and seek a restraining order. If that happens, the December 1 BSKE will proceed. There are many possible scenarios),” Garcia explained. 

Veteran election lawyer Atty. Romulo Macalintal has publicly urged the President to veto the bill. Macalintal previously challenged the 2022 BSKE postponement, which the Supreme Court later declared unconstitutional.—mbmf (from the report of UNTV Correspondent Dante Amento)

‍