April 28, 2026 —Senator Imee Marcos has formally proposed postponing the November 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to October 2027, citing the high cost of holding the polls and the risk of disenfranchisement due to rising travel expenses. The senator filed Senate Bill 2067 to move the elections, arguing that the ₱16 billion budget could be redirected to urgent economic relief amid the ongoing oil crisis.

Marcos explained that the scheduled BSKE falls on November 2, which coincides with All Souls’ Day, a period when millions of Filipinos traditionally travel to their provinces to honor their departed loved ones. “All Souls’ Day is important for Filipinos to pay their respects to the dead, but because of increasing travel expenses, it may discourage others to go home, let alone to vote,” she said.

The senator warned that soaring fuel prices and transportation fares could prevent many voters, especially those registered outside their residence, from participating in the elections. “The oil crisis has triggered significant increases in transportation fares, creating a serious risk of disenfranchisement, especially for voters registered outside their residence and marginalized sectors already struggling with the cost of living,” Marcos added.

She emphasized that while barangay and youth elections are vital to grassroots democracy, current economic conditions threaten voter turnout. Marcos argued that postponing the polls would give voters more time to transfer their registrations, reducing the need for costly travel on election day.

Marcos also highlighted the fiscal strain of the elections, noting that the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has estimated the cost at ₱16 billion, excluding additional funding required for support from the Philippine National Police, Department of Education, and local government units. “These funds may be better directed toward urgent needs such as economic relief, basic services, and crisis response,” she said.

The senator further argued that delaying the elections would ensure continuity in local leadership, allowing barangay officials to remain focused on governance and community concerns amid economic challenges. “Equally important, postponement will allow our local officials to remain fully focused on governance and crisis response, rather than being drawn into the distractions of electoral politics,” Marcos explained.

Her proposal has sparked debate among lawmakers and watchdog groups. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian opposed the move, calling it unconstitutional and unnecessary, while the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) warned that repeated postponements undermine democratic rights. The Supreme Court has previously ruled against arbitrary suspensions of barangay elections, stressing that they are constitutional obligations.

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has said he is open to proposals to delay the elections if they would benefit the country, noting potential savings of about ₱16 billion. However, critics argue that economic hardship is not a valid reason to postpone polls, pointing out that elections have been held during far graver national crises.

For now, Senate Bill 2067 remains under deliberation, with the Commission on Elections continuing preparations for the November 2026 polls unless Congress enacts another postponement. The debate underscores the tension between fiscal priorities and democratic rights as the country grapples with economic challenges.