Early SC resolution on BSKE postponement seen
MANILA, Philippines — Election lawyer Romulo Macalintal believes the Supreme Court (SC) would rule on his petition against the postponement of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections (BSKE) “in two to three weeks.”
Macalintal came up with the estimated timeline following an order from the SC directing respondents Office of the President, Senate, House of Representatives and Commission on Elections (Comelec) to file comment on Macalintal’s petition.
“I believe it will not take more than two or three weeks for the Supreme Court to take appropriate action, given the non-extendible five-day period,” he said in an interview over dzBB last Thursday.
Macalintal said the SC’s five-day period for respondents to answer his arguments was “a good sign that my petition has substance.”
He noted that the SC issued its order when it was supposedly taking a break from writing decisions last month.
“They convened a special session to hear my petition. This means the Supreme Court will fast-track the resolution of my petition and motion for a TRO (temporary restraining order),” Macalintal said.
A week ago, he filed before the SC his petition for certiorari and prohibition assailing Republic Act 12326, which “fixed” the term of office for barangay and SK officials from four years to five years, with two terms for barangay officials and one term for SK officials.
It also scheduled the local polls to November 2028, effectively cancelling the earlier schedule of Nov. 2 this year.
The high court was asked to issue a TRO or a status quo ante order to prevent the implementation of the new BSKE law.
Should the SC rule in favor of his petition, Macalintal maintained the Comelec could reschedule the BSKE this year even if it would not reach the earlier schedule of Nov. 2.
“Under the law, in the event of such supervening events beyond the Comelec’s control, the Commission has the authority to adjust the election period, subject to the order of the Supreme Court,” he explained.
Macalintal added the high court may “consider the days lost in tackling the petition in setting a new schedule for the election” that would ensure the right to vote would not be disturbed.
“The Supreme Court may order the scheduling of the election and take into account the days lost in this case. Proper adjustments will be made, and rights will not be affected. The barangay election must push through this year,” he said.
abtestabtest Dropping VP bribery charges may be shortchanging Filipinos – Palace By Neil Jayson Servallos | 7 hours ago Malacañang yesterday questioned whether the House prosecution panel would be shortchanging the Filipino public if it... Headlines Warning aired on foreign-funded destabilization 7 hours ago Foreign-funded destabilization plots to undermine or overthrow a sitting administration are not far-fetched, according to... Headlines VP on Trillanes claims: Same exhausted lies By Bella Cariaso | 1 day ago Former senator Antonio Trillanes IV “has been peddling exhausted lies since 2016,” Vice President Sara Duterte... Headlines House prosecutors may drop bribery article vs Sara Duterte By Ian Laqui | 13 hours ago Prosecutors said they believe the three other impeachment articles may already provide sufficient grounds to seek the vice... Headlines Baste: I would have blocked GenCorp deals By Daphne Galvez | 5 days ago Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte faced the Senate impeachment court yesterday as a hostile witness,... Headlines Latest More in Headlines Win: Impeach verdict possible by November Bank records will pin down VP Sara – prosecution Maharlika CEO Consing on way out DOE: Planning failure caused Visayas power shortfall abtest DA to boost food stocks amid ‘super El Niño’ By Josiah Antonio | 7 hours ago The Department of Agriculture is stocking up on food and farm inputs, expanding storage capacity, and deploying targeted interventions in areas expected to be hardest hit by the “super El Niño.&rdq... Headlines COA: 28 out of 119 MMDA flood pumps ‘unserviceable’ By Ghio Ong | 7 hours ago Contrary to reports that all its flood pumping stations were fully functional, 28 out of 119 pumps in pumping stations managed... Headlines Ombudsman mulls more cases vs Yap brothers By Ghio Ong | 7 hours ago Brothers Eric and Edvic Yap may face another lawsuit over anomalies in flood control projects, Ombudsman Jesus Crispin Remulla... Headlines First Philippines ambassador to Bhutan presents credentials to king By Pia Lee-Brago | 7 hours ago The first Philippine ambassador to Bhutan presented his credentials to King Jigme Khesar Namgyel WangchuckWangchuck, officially embarking on his duties. Headlines Recommended Win: Impeach verdict possible by November 7 hours ago Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial could wrap up and yield a final verdict as early as next month, Senate... HeadlinesASEANSARA Bank records will pin down VP Sara – prosecution 7 hours ago As the impeachment trial resumes today, the House prosecution panel is banking on a paper trail to pin down Vice President... HeadlinesBANKSARA Warning aired on foreign-funded destabilization 7 hours ago Foreign-funded destabilization plots to undermine or overthrow a sitting administration are not far-fetched, according to... HeadlinesACE Dropping VP bribery charges may be shortchanging Filipinos – Palace 7 hours ago Malacañang yesterday questioned whether the House prosecution panel would be shortchanging the Filipino public if it... HeadlinesCLAIRE CASTRO From cat to lion king From Sebastian to Simba. October 5, 2026 - 12:00am The ongoing impeachment trial of VP Sara Duterte has started to look like the Disney movie “The Lion King” where the first King Mufasa is removed from the picture by a scheming, envious Scar who usurps...r HeadlinesSARA DUTERTE next Recommended Win: Impeach verdict possible by November Vice President Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial could wrap up and yield a final verdict as early as next month, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said yesterday. 7 hours ago ASEAN SARA Bank records will pin down VP Sara – prosecution As the impeachment trial resumes today, the House prosecution panel is banking on a paper trail to pin down Vice President Sara Duterte on her alleged P6.7 billion in unexplained assets. 7 hours ago BANK SARA Warning aired on foreign-funded destabilization Foreign-funded destabilization plots to undermine or overthrow a sitting administration are not far-fetched, according to a spokesperson for the prosecution panel in the impeachment trial of Vice President Sara Duterte. 7 hours ago ACE Dropping VP bribery charges may be shortchanging Filipinos – Palace Malacañang yesterday questioned whether the House prosecution panel would be shortchanging the Filipino public if it decides to drop the bribery charges against Vice President Sara Duterte in her ongoing impeachment trial. 7 hours ago CLAIRE CASTRO From cat to lion king From Sebastian to Simba. The ongoing impeachment trial of VP Sara Duterte has started to look like the Disney movie “The Lion King” where the first King Mufasa is removed from the picture by a scheming, envious Scar who usurps the throne. 7 hours ago SARA DUTERTE OK Are you sure you want to log out? Yes No X Login Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!
