Manila: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has ceased preparations for the previously scheduled December 1 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), now rescheduled to November 2, 2026. This decision follows the enactment of Republic Act No. 12232, which officially moved the election date.

According to Philippines News Agency, a memorandum issued on September 30 and released on Wednesday, informed Comelec’s Regional Election Directors, Provincial Election Supervisors, and Election Officers about the termination of preparations for the village and youth polls. The memorandum specifically instructed all offices to await further announcements regarding the 2026 BSKE.

Comelec Chairperson George Garcia stated at the Kapihan sa Manila Bay that the Commission has terminated all preparations for the December 1 elections, including the filing of the Certificate of Candidacy (COC) and other scheduled activities. He emphasized that with the new law in effect, it is inappropriate to file candidacy for December 1, with any future filings to pertain to the November 2, 2026, election.

Despite halting other preparations, Garcia clarified that the procurement process for next year’s BSKE will proceed. He pointed out that procuring now would be beneficial in terms of current pricing, considering the potential impact of inflation in the coming year.