MANILA – The Philippine Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has announced it will resume nationwide voter registration next month for the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) scheduled for later this year. This measure aims to ensure that young voters, particularly those aged 15 to 17, have the opportunity to participate.

COMELEC Chairman George Garcia stated that the commission's seven-member panel approved a 10-day voter registration drive from August 1 to 10. He confirmed in an interview that "the resumption of BSKE voter registration has been approved by the COMELEC en banc."

The decision to resume voter registration is a proactive step to allow the youth, especially those aged 15 to 17, to cast their votes should the BSKE proceed as scheduled. Chairman Garcia explained, "We are still waiting whether the BSKE will push through. The problem is if the elections push through on December 1 and we have not conducted voter registration, then we will have no voters, especially those aged 15 to 17."

Currently, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has not yet signed the bill that would set the terms for Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials. If this bill passes, the BSKE would be postponed from December 1, 2025, to the first Monday of November 2026. However, regardless of whether the elections are postponed, COMELEC intends to proceed with pre-registration procedures to guarantee the voting rights of potential voters. This demonstrates COMELEC's commitment to ensuring the broadest possible suffrage for its citizens.

The Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections are crucial pillars supporting grassroots democracy in the Philippines. The Barangay, as the smallest administrative unit in the Philippines, provides various administrative services directly related to residents' daily lives, including peace and order, sanitation, and education. The Barangay Captain acts as a community leader, gathering residents' opinions and promoting policies for local development.

The Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) is a youth council that allows young voters aged 15 to 17 to elect their representatives directly and participate in youth policy-making. This holds significant educational value in fostering young people's interest in politics and their growth into active democratic citizens. The SK supports various youth activities, including culture, sports, and education, and serves as a conduit for youth voices in the community.

Philippine Election System and Voter Registration Procedures 

Voter registration in the Philippines is typically conducted intensively during specific periods leading up to an election. To be eligible to vote, individuals must be Filipino citizens, at least 18 years old, and have resided in their respective locality for at least six months. They must also be of sound mind and have no criminal record.

The voter registration process is as follows:

Complete the application form: Download the form from the COMELEC website or obtain it from designated registration centers.
Prepare required documents: Gather copies of valid identification (e.g., passport, driver's license, UMID) and proof of residency.
Visit a registration center: Go to a designated COMELEC office or temporary registration center to submit documents, register fingerprints, and have a photo taken.
Verification and approval: The submitted information will be verified by COMELEC and, following an approval process, will be finally included in the voters' list.
This upcoming registration period, from August 1 to 10, is particularly significant for youth aged 15 to 17. Although not yet legally adults (18 years old), they become eligible to participate in the SK elections. COMELEC is expected to intensify promotional activities and explore ways to simplify the registration process to encourage active participation from young voters.

Discussions surrounding the postponement of the BSKE are a recurring issue in Philippine politics. The primary reasons cited for election postponement include budget savings, increased administrative efficiency, and a focus on national priorities. However, election postponements also draw criticism for potentially undermining the importance of grassroots democracy and creating leadership vacuums in local communities.

If the BSKE is postponed until 2026, the terms of current Barangay and SK officials would be extended. While this might ensure stable administrative operations, it could also spark debate regarding democratic legitimacy. Nevertheless, COMELEC's decision to resume voter registration, regardless of the election postponement, demonstrates the agency's firm commitment to safeguarding voters' right to suffrage, which can be viewed positively.

This resumption of voter registration is an important step in the democratic process of the Philippines. It is hoped that all eligible citizens, especially the younger generation, will seize this opportunity to make their voices heard and contribute to shaping the future of their communities.

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