Bill postponing barangay, SK polls ready for Marcos Jr.’s signature

MANILA — Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian says the bill setting five year terms for barangay officials and rescheduling the November Barangay and Sanggunian Kabataan Elections to 2028 has been transmitted to the Palace.

Polll watchdogs, including the National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections and Legal Network for Truthful Elections, have warned against another postponement of barangay elections, saying it weakens the ballot as an avenue for accountability.

“Sa pagkaalam ko, wala namang balita na ibi-veto niya (As far as I know, there is no information that he will veto it),” Gatchalian said, referring to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Gatchalian said the House adopted the Senate version so there is no need for a bicameral conference committee “for a simple bill.” — RG Cruz, ABS-CBN News