TO prevent possible unnecessary preparatory expenses, the Commission on Elections (Comelec) will renew its appeal to lawmakers this week to finally decide on the bill postponing the 2020 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
“We are concerned with the preparatory cost, which may end up being wasted [if the BSKE will not push through],” Comelec Chairman Sheriff Abas said in a news conference last Thursday.
The poll body chief said they hope Congress would come up with a decision on the matter before the end of the year.
He said they had already relayed this request to lawmakers during a Senate hearing last week.
“We discussed if they could make it [the decision] asap since it will affect many people,” Abas said.
“In fairness to both Houses [of Congress], they already have committee hearings on the postponement,” he added.
Comelec’s preparation for the 2020 BSKE is still ongoing, albeit at a slower pace for now pending the passage of the bill resetting it to a new date.
These measures include the ongoing voter registration, bidding of supplies and services it will need for the said electoral activity, and issuing the necessary regulations for it.
Comelec Spokesman James B. Jimenez earlier said the bill will also affect 2020 BSKE candidates, who will be shelling out cash for campaign materials ahead of the conduct of the said polls on May 11, 2020.
Last July, President Duterte said he wants to defer the conduct of the upcoming BSKE to 2022.