While barangay captains welcome the postponement of the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) from December 2025 to November 2026, a few residents in Iloilo City and in Negros Occidental have expressed dismay.  

Larry Palomo, chairman of Barangay Marcelo H. del Pilar in Jaro District, said that barangay officials have assumed office in only two years, which means the postponement has significantly given them the opportunity to accomplish their programs first.  

"Ang eleksyon magulo. Pero kung bibigyan pa kami ng extension, gagawin ko kung ano ang ikabubuti para sa aming barangay,” Palomo said.

Frances Cabañal, a councilman of Barangay Tagbac in Jaro District, said that the postponement allows completion of their projects which the next administration might not care to pursue.  

“Pabor kami na ma-extend ang Barangay and SK Elections kasi marami kaming projects na hindi makayang matapos. So, kung matutuloy ang eleksyon, ma-standby naman ang project. If ever may ibang papalit, hindi na maipagpapatuloy,” Cabañal pointed out. 

However, Myku Betita, a new voter, is saddened by the postponement.

“Para sana makaboto rin kami kaya nga nagpa-register kami,” Betita said.

President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. signed Republic Act 12232 that moved the BSKE  from December 1, 2025 to the first Monday of November 2026.

Under RA 12232, subsequent regular BSKE will be held every four years thereafter.

The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) Iloilo pursued its lined-up activities, citing that it is possible the constitutionality of the law would be questioned.

“We don’t want the situation na maka-issue ng TRO ang Supreme Court at tayo ang will be caught off guard in the Comelec,” said Atty. Reinier Layson, provincial election supervisor of COMELEC Iloilo.

In addition, residents in the Province of Negros Occidental also expressed dismay over the postponement.

Jerry Tablon, a resident, contended that voters who seek a replacement of local leaders must also be heard.

“Paano na ang mga tao na naghihintay para mapalitan naman ng mabuti ang mga uupo,” Tablon said.

Alias "Robert," another resident, hopes for a reversal of the decision.

“Sana matuloy ang eleksyon,” Robert said.

COMELEC Negros Island Region, just like COMELEC Iloilo, pursues preparations for the BSK polls despite the said postponement. 

“If ever the Supreme Court issues a TRO or declare it unconstitutional, may panahon pa kami na ituloy ang Barangay and SK Election this December,” Atty. Lionel Marco Castillano, COMELEC-NIR regional director, said.