OP, others given 5 days to answer BSKE deferment plea
The Philippine Supreme Court has ordered the government to respond within five days to a petition challenging the constitutionality of postponing the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections to 2028. The petitioner argues that the law violates the electorate's right to vote and sets a dangerous precedent for term extensions.
Why it matters
This case tests the limits of executive and legislative power regarding election scheduling and the democratic rights of the Philippine public.
MANILA, Philippines - The Supreme Court (SC) has directed the Office of the President, the Commission on Elections and both chambers of Congress to comment within five days on the petition against the postponement of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) to November 2028.
The SC's order stemmed from a petition for certiorari and prohibition filed by election lawyer Romulo Macalintal contesting the implementation of Republic Act 12326 postponing the elections. RA 12326 was signed by President Marcos on Sept. 24 and became immediately executory.
The SC gave the respondents "a non-extendible period of five calendar days from notice" to submit their comments.
Macalintal said he was "deeply glad and thankful that the SC immediately acted on our petition."
The development, he added, was "a clear indication that the High Court sees substantial merits in our petition."
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