PRESIDENT Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. is amenable to proposals seeking the postponement of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), Malacañang said on Friday.
Speaking to reporters in Iloilo City, Palace Press Officer Claire Castro said Marcos is willing to study any legislative measure that could potentially improve government efficiency and generate savings.
“Ang Pangulo at gobyernong ito ay open sa lahat ng maaring suggestions na siyang makakabuti sa ating bansa (The President and the government are open to all suggestions that will benefit the nation),” Castro said.
She cited lawmakers’ statements that the possible government savings could reach PHP16 billion, should Marcos decide to suspend the twin elections.`
Castro, however, stressed that the proposal must undergo careful evaluation.
“So, kung magkakaroon sila ng anumang bill or panukala dito ay aaralin po ito ng Pangulo. Basta po ito ay makakabuti sa ating bansa, open po ang Pangulo para diyan (if there is any bill or measure, that will be studied by the President. As long as it benefits the country, the President is open to that),” she said.
Some House lawmakers are pushing for the postponement of the BSKE scheduled for November 2026 and the reallocation of its unspent funds for the government’s response to the energy emergency.
The Commission on Elections has expressed openness to the proposal but raised constitutional concerns over realigning the budget for other government programs. (PNA)
