Namfrel opposes BSKE postponement

The National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (Namfrel) has expressed opposition to the proposed postponement of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) scheduled for 1 December.

While Article X, Section 8 of the 1987 Philippine Constitution provides Congress the authority to determine the term of office for Barangay and SK officials through legislation, Namfrel stressed that it must act in a manner "consistent with democratic principles and the rule of law, ensuring genuine periodic elections, and that the proposed law extending the term of BSK officials should be applied in consideration of the 2025 BSKE."

On 9 June, the House of Representatives passed House Bill (HB) 11287 on third and final reading, with 153 affirmative votes, four negative votes, and one abstention.

HB 11287 proposes to amend Sections 42 and 43 of the Local Government Code of 1991, which currently prescribe three-year terms and limit how many consecutive terms officials may serve.

The bill also seeks to synchronize the BSKE beginning in 2029, to be held every six years on the second Monday of May.

"The barangay, as the smallest government unit, leads local programs and serves as a space for resolving community issues. As the closest government to the people, voters must regularly and periodically choose their leaders," Namfrel pointed out.

"Equally important is the role of the Sangguniang Kabataan, which empowers youth to lead, voice concerns, and join in barangay decision-making," it added.

The poll watchdog argued that postponing SK elections "deprives young people of representation and delays youth participation in governance."

It also pointed out that repeated postponements of the BSKE have disrupted the country’s electoral cycle. Citing the Supreme Court ruling on the 2022 BSKE postponement, Namfrel recalled that the Court emphasized the importance of “genuine periodic elections” to ensure that government authority remains rooted in the free will of the electorate.

"Namfrel strongly believes that democracy works best when elections are held regularly, on time, and fairly," the group said.

"Delaying the 2025 BSKE can weaken people’s trust in the electoral process and take away the chance for communities and the youth to be heard."

Namfrel urged Congress to protect the right to vote and allow the elections to proceed as scheduled.