Deputy House Speaker and Bacolod Rep. Alfredo Abelardo Benitez said he supports postponing the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) for six months to enable government to redirect funds to address the ongoing fuel crisis.
The ₱13 billion to ₱14 billion currently earmarked for the elections could instead be utilized for urgent financial assistance, Benitez said on Wednesday, April 8.
The elections are scheduled for November 2 and any postponement would require new legislation, he said.
“Government should be prepared for a worst-case scenario by readying all available funds to respond effectively,” Benitez said.
However, Benitez acknowledged a potential legal hurdle: the Supreme Court might deem another postponement unconstitutional, despite the presence of a “just cause”.
The House of Representatives began joint committee hearings on Wednesday to discuss measures to combat rising fuel prices.
Benitez emphasized that the “marching order” for all government departments is to prepare for the worst, especially given the volatility in the Middle East.
“With the current uncertainty, we might need to realign our appropriation priorities,” Benitez added, stressing that the government must act swiftly to provide aid to distressed sectors.*
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