KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato — Governor Reynaldo S. Tamayo Jr. has firmly opposed proposals to postpone the November 2 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections, stressing that funds earmarked for the polls cannot be legally realigned—even amid the ongoing fuel crisis.
The governor made the statement following a proposal by Bacolod District Congressman Albee Benitez to defer the elections and redirect funds to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices.
“Ang naipasa lang naman na bill ni Albee Benitez ay ang pag-postpone ng election para gamitin yung pondo sa election para sa interbensyon ng gobyerno sa mga apektado ng krisis sa gasolina,” Tamayo said.
However, Tamayo was clear that such a move faces legal limits.
“Very clear yung sinabi ni Comelec chairman—hindi mo pwedeng i-realign yung pondo,” he emphasized.
The governor underscored that election preparations are already underway, making postponement unlikely.
He added that extending the term of barangay officials is unnecessary, noting that local leaders are already gearing up for the scheduled polls.
Even if changes are considered, Tamayo said any delay would likely be minimal. Still, he maintained that holding the elections as scheduled remains the most practical and lawful course of action.
His statement comes as debates intensify nationwide on how to balance economic pressures with democratic processes.
For Tamayo, the message is clear: crisis response should not come at the cost of electoral integrity.
