In a move to encourage maximum voter participation, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially declared October 30 a non-working day in the Philippines. This decision aims to provide Filipinos the opportunity to cast their votes in the upcoming barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.
The announcement came through Proclamation No. 359, signed by Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on October 9. President Marcos emphasized the importance of ensuring that the citizens have ample opportunity to exercise their right of suffrage in these local elections.
The Supreme Court has given its approval for the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to proceed with the barangay and SK polls scheduled on October 30, 2023. This aligns with the provisions of Republic Act No. 11935.
The election period officially commenced on August 28, coinciding with the opening day for the filing of certificates of candidacy (COC). Individuals formally become candidates upon filing their COC and are permitted to campaign only within the period from October 19 to 28.
In anticipation of the elections, Comelec has identified 242 barangays in the “red category.” This classification indicates that security measures in these areas will be intensively monitored to ensure the safety and integrity of the Barangay and SK Elections (BSKE).