The Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) formally begins on October 30, 2023. This is according to the BSKE 2023 schedule released by the Commission on Elections (Comelec).

Moreover, it is worth noting that the Comelec is gearing up for this particular election as it garnered significant attention. The reason behind this lies in the multiple postponements of the barangay and SK polls for the past years. Due to their prolonged stay, many believe that the incumbent officials have outlived their relevance.

Table of Contents

• The Importance of BSKE 2023
• BSKE 2023 Schedule
• The October 30, 2023 Barangay Election
• More About BSKE
• Barangay Officials
• Sangguniang Kabataan
• Long Weekend in October

The Importance of BSKE 2023

The SK polls hold particular significance as they play a vital role in grooming the new generation of leaders. These leaders will eventually take over the barangay from their predecessors. 

Furthermore, the elections provide millennials and Gen Z individuals with the opportunity to make a tangible impact on their communities. During these elections, the youth will elect an SK chairperson, who will also serve as an ex officio member of the Sangguniang Barangay, along with seven SK councilors in each barangay.

BSKE 2023 Schedule

The Comelec has released the official calendar of activities for the 2023 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE). Originally scheduled for December 5, 2022, the elections have been moved to October 30, 2023. 

Moreover, the Comelec had opened voter registration for the BSKE from December 12, 2022, to January 31, 2023, resulting in a total of 1,476,551 newly registered voters. 

The election period will span from July 3 to November 14, coinciding with the filing of Certificates of Candidacy from July 3 to 7.

On the election day, which falls on the last Monday of October, voting hours will be from 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Check out the full BSKE 2023 schedule from Comelec:

The October 30, 2023 Barangay Election

As we now know, the Barangay Election is set for October 30, 2023, and there are essential guidelines to be aware of. 

Prohibited activities during the election period, which commenced on July 3, are listed in Comelec Resolution No. 10905 and include the following:

• Carrying firearms or deadly weapons in public places
• Using security personnel or bodyguards
• Altering precinct territories
• Raising funds through various means
• Vote-buying
• Vote-selling

More About BSKE

Over 1.4 million individuals have filed for candidacy, according to the Comelec. The qualifications for running in the election differ for Barangay officials and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) members.

Barangay Officials

There are nearly 97,000 aspirants for punong barangay (chairman) and over 730,000 candidates for posts in the sangguniang barangay (barangay council). 

Qualifications include:

• Being a Filipino citizen
• Being a registered voter in the barangay
• A resident of the barangay for at least a year before election day
• The ability to read and write Filipino
• At least 18 years old on election day

Meanwhile, the responsibilities of the barangay chairman are the following:

• Enforcing laws and ordinances
• Maintaining public order
• Entering into contracts on behalf of the barangay
• Appointing or replacing appointive barangay officials

Sangguniang Kabataan

The SK was established through the Local Government Code of 1991 and is composed of a chairman, seven members, a secretary, and a treasurer. 

Qualifications for SK candidates are as follows:

• Being a Filipino citizen
• A registered member of the Katipunan ng Kabataan (KK)
• A resident of the barangay for at least a year before the elections
• Being between 18 and 24 years old
• Meeting certain moral and familial criteria

Consequently, SK officials are responsible for promulgating resolutions, organizing fundraising activities, and executing youth-oriented programs.

Long Weekend in October

Given the BSKE Schedule 2023, there’s the possibility of a long weekend in October. With the election falling on October 30, Filipinos anticipate October 31 to be a special non-working holiday. Additionally, November 1 (All Saints’ Day) and November 2 (All Souls’ Day) provide consecutive holidays. November 3, a Friday, could be a prime day to take leave, as November 4 and November 5 are the following Saturday and Sunday.

Sources: (1), (2)

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