DESPITE the uncertainty of holding the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections in October, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) continues with its preparations.
President Rodrigo Duterte earlier announced that he does not want the barangay and SK elections held this year due to the claimed influence of drug money in the elections.
Duterte is also contemplating on appointing barangay officials instead.
Since nothing is final yet on the decision of the president, Comelec Commissioner Sheriff Abas said the poll body has already activated its committees on printing and verifications, on gun ban, and on packing and shipping.
He added that they also have prepared the calendar of activities.
He also said the Comelec has already bid for the printing, packing and shipping.
In Resolution 10177, the Comelec will hold a synchronized barangay and SK elections on October 23. Some periods and dates prescribed by law for certain pre-election acts are no longer reasonably possible to observe.
The Comelec will cull all registrants and prepare for printing of registered voters after the registrations, which will last on April 29.
The gun ban will take effect on the election campaign. Filing of Certificate of Candidacy, meanwhile, is set from September 23 to 30 while the campaign starts October 13 up to 21. The election will be on October 23.
"Same rules apply. Ang projection namin sa Comelec, tuloy-tuloy yung aming preparations (Our projection in Comelec, the preparations are continuing). The election will be held manually kasi hindi kayang gawin automation yun (because it cannot be done through automation)," Abas said.
The Comelec, Abas said, is encouraging Congress to decide early if the barangay and SK elections will push through so they can have enough time to prepare.
"So titignan natin yan this coming session ng Congress kasi call naman ng Congress yan since sila naman yung gagawa ng batas (we will have to see this coming session since it will depend on the Congress because they’re the ones who will make the laws)," Abas said. Abas also said that they will abide with the decision of Congress.
