MANILA (UPDATE) - The Senate on Tuesday approved on third and final reading the bill seeking to postpone the Dec. 5, 2022 barangay at Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections next year.

• More than 2 million new voters registered ahead of barangay, SK polls

Seventeen senators voted to approve the bill, while senators Koko Pimentel and Risa Hontiveros voted against it.

• 'I lied': Imee sponsors bill moving Barangay, SK polls 'to buy us time' for reforms

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Imee Marcos, proposes to move the polls to Dec. 2023.

Last week, the House of Representatives approved their own version of the bill.

• House approves barangay, SK elections postponement on final reading

The last barangay elections were held in May 2018. The supposed May 2020 election for barangay leaders and youth councils was moved to Dec. 5 this year through a law.

• Comelec says no waste of funds if barangay, SK elections postponed again

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) earlier said it would need at least P5 billion more if the barangay and SK elections were postponed as it would need to register more voters and procure additional supplies.

Two poll watchdogs also believe the December elections should push through.

• Watchdogs oppose proposed deferment of barangay, SK polls

Lawmakers proposing the postponement cited the pandemic and the supposed savings it would generate should the polls be moved next year.