BACOLOD CITY — Bacolod Representative Alfredo Abelardo Benitez is advocating for a six-month postponement of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections, arguing that the earmarked funds are desperately needed to address the nation’s energy emergency.
The proposal aims to realign the ₱13 billion to ₱14 billion currently set aside for the November 2, 2026, polls to provide urgent financial assistance to sectors crippled by soaring fuel prices.
Benitez emphasized that the government must prepare for a “worst-case scenario” as volatility in the Middle East continues to impact domestic energy security.
- Prioritizing Aid: The lawmaker suggested that the election budget would be better spent on mitigating the impact of the fuel crisis on transport workers and vulnerable communities.
- Legislative Requirement: Because the election date is set by law, any postponement would require the passing of new legislation through Congress.
While Benitez cites a “just cause” for the delay, he acknowledged that the move faces significant legal risks.
- Constitutional Concern: The Supreme Court has previously scrutinized frequent postponements of local elections. There is a possibility that another delay could be deemed unconstitutional, even under the current state of national energy emergency.
- Comelec Budgeting: The Commission on Elections (Comelec) has recently indicated it may actually need an additional ₱9 billion to successfully conduct the 2026 polls, highlighting a growing budgetary gap between election requirements and emergency needs.
The House of Representatives began joint committee hearings on Wednesday to discuss multi-sectoral responses to the rising fuel prices. Benitez stated that the current “marching order” for all government agencies is to maintain flexibility with their appropriations.
“With the current uncertainty, we might need to realign our appropriation priorities,” Benitez noted, stressing the urgency of providing a “financial buffer” against external economic shocks.