President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is open to a proposed BSKE postponement for the elections scheduled on November 2 to save funds to address the economic impacts of the Middle East crisis.
- Potential Savings: P16 billion could be saved if the November 2 elections are postponed.
- Emergency Funding: P238 billion from the 2026 budget is currently being used, but is only sufficient for about 3.5 months.
- Fiscal Status: National debt has reached P18.16 trillion, with a budget deficit of P171.2 billion as of February.
Palace Press Officer Undersecretary Claire Castro stated during a news briefing in Iloilo City on Friday, April 17, that the government is open to suggestions that benefit the country. Castro highlighted the P16 billion in potential savings that could be redirected toward crisis mitigation.
The proposal follows a call from Bacolod City Representative Albee Benitez for a six-month postponement. Benitez suggested realigning the election funds to programs designed to protect Filipinos from the effects of the Middle East crisis.
Budgetary Pressures and BSKE Postponement
Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Garcia expressed concern regarding the proposal. While acknowledging the intent, Garcia noted that realigning election funds for other purposes may be deemed unconstitutional.
The BSKE has seen previous delays, with President Marcos signing Republic Act No. 12232 in August 2025 to move the December 2025 elections to the first Monday of November 2026. The most recent barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections took place in October 2023.
Department of Economy, Planning and Development (DEPDev) Secretary Arsenio Balisacan reported during a Senate hearing on April 13 that the Department of Budget and Management is utilizing P238 billion from the 2026 budget for emergency measures. However, Balisacan and Budget Secretary Rolando Toledo acknowledged these funds would only last approximately three and a half months.
The Middle East crisis is expected to cause supply-chain disruptions, faster inflation, and high fuel prices for more than a year. Balisacan stated that a supplemental budget, similar to the one used during the COVID-19 pandemic, may not be feasible given the current fiscal climate.
According to Bureau of the Treasury data, national debt climbed to P18.16 trillion, while the budget deficit stood at P171.2 billion at the end of February. Balisacan noted that the government no longer has the low deficit and debt luxury it possessed at the start of the pandemic.
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