The Commission on Elections (Comelec) admitted that its proposed 2026 budget does not cover the newly rescheduled barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE).
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed a law moving the polls from December 1, 2025, to November 2, 2026, but the measure is still under review by the Supreme Court.
Comelec Chairman George Garcia told lawmakers that while preparations continue in case the elections push through, the P11-billion budget is insufficient, particularly for teacher honoraria and the costs of accommodating 4 million additional voters.
He stressed that the current budget excludes the P2,000 extra honoraria for teachers who would serve if the December 2025 elections proceed.
Lawmakers have asked Comelec to submit a detailed estimate of the cost for holding the elections in 2026.
Source: PhilNews24 | September 2, 2025
