Comelec sets Nov. 2 for manual barangay, SK elections; no tech upgrades planned

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) will conduct the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections on Nov. 2 using a fully manual system, aiming for stricter measures against vote-buying and other violations.

Manual Election System to be Implemented

The commission noted that no major technological upgrades will be implemented. Voters will write candidates’ names on ballots, which will be counted and canvassed by hand at the precinct level. Unlike national elections, results will not be electronically transmitted and may be proclaimed within the villages.

“There may be no major technological innovations to be seen,” said Comelec Chairman George Erwin Garcia. He clarified that Congress, not Comelec, set the election date, stating, “Whether it is appropriate or not, Comelec is bound to follow Nov. 2.”

Ballot printing has been completed, and verification is ongoing. Voter registration runs until May 18, with no extension planned. Approximately 3 million applications have been recorded so far.

Campaigning and Vote-Buying Rules

The Comelec expects around 73 million voters nationwide, including 25 million SK voters. Garcia said the manual setup also means stricter rules on campaigning, as candidates are considered official upon filing their certificates of candidacy, making early campaigning punishable. “If they start campaigning early, they can be disqualified and charged with an election offense,” he said.

With no new technology in place, Comelec will intensify its “Kontra Bigay” campaign against vote-buying, monitoring suspicious cash distribution, e-wallet transfers, and the use of government aid for political gain. Authorities may also conduct warrantless arrests of offenders caught in the act. “These funds do not belong to candidates. Using public money for political gain is even more offensive,” Garcia said.

Campaign spending is capped at P3 per voter, and candidates’ statements of contributions and expenditures (SOCE) will be published online through the e-SOCE platform. Garcia noted that vote-buying and misinformation remain the biggest threats, adding that stronger laws are needed to regulate social media during elections.

Garcia urged voters, especially the youth, to choose leaders wisely. “Vote according to your conscience and judgment — not because of influence or favors,” he said. “The ballot is the answer.”