THE Commission on Elections (Comelec) is set to hold an emergency meeting next week to discuss preparations for the Dec. 1 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) amid the growing likelihood that it will be postponed.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia said the meeting will focus on the procurement of election paraphernalia and voter registration, among others.
"We will have an emergency meeting with the Comelec next week to discuss what things need to be stopped for the time being. For example, procurement — there are items that should not be purchased for now because they might get damaged, such as indelible ink," Garcia said in an online interview on Thursday.
"There are also things that need to be postponed, for example, voter registration, which should only be from July 1 to 11."
He said they would also reassess the budget for the BSKE.
This comes after both the Senate and the House of Representatives ratified on Wednesday the bicameral conference committee report on the bill extending the term of incumbent barangay and SK officials.
Under the proposed law, the term of office of all elected barangay and SK officials shall be extended to four years. At present, barangay and SK officials serve a three-year term.
Garcia said the poll body would abide by the outcome of the process.
"This is a political decision so the Comelec cannot interfere," he said. "Whatever they (Congress) agree to, we will abide by it."
Garcia said they would also wait for President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s decision on the matter.
"Currently, this is still a bill. Bicameral conference committee report adopted by the Upper and Lower Houses. We will see the president's action if it is signed and becomes a law," he said.