Comelec chairperson George Erwin Garcia (File photo)
MANILA – The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is preparing to answer the petition filed by an election lawyer questioning the legality of the law rescheduling the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to next year.
“The Comelec is currently working closely with the Office of the Solicitor General (OSG) to draft our Comment to the Petition filed by Atty. Romulo Macalintal questioning the constitutionality of RA (Republic Act) 11935, the law postponing the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE),” Comelec chairman George Erwin Garcia said in a statement on Wednesday.
He said they are also preparing for the Supreme Court's oral arguments on the matter which has been scheduled for Friday.
The poll body reiterated that they welcome the petition as it will determine on who has the power to extend the terms of office of village and youth officials.
“We welcome the abovementioned petition as it gives the High Court the opportunity to resolve, once and for all, the question on whether the power of Congress to extend the term of office of Barangay and SK officials carries with it the power to postpone an election. Or, whether it is the Comelec who has the sole power to postpone the Barangay and SK Elections,” Garcia added.
On the other hand, the poll body head said they will abide by the ruling of the high court on the petition filed by the election lawyer.
“Finally, the Comelec will accept the Supreme Court's resolution with enthusiasm and will readily comply with the Court's eventual doctrinal pronouncements. This is democracy in play. We respect and laud the great branches of the Philippine government the executive, legislative and judicial - in its continued development of the country's electoral legal framework,” he added.
Last week, President Ferdinand R. Marcos signed the law postponing the Dec. 5, 2022 BSKE to Oct. 30, 2023. (PNA)
