By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero has filed a measure seeking to extend the terms of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials from four years to five years, a proposal that would also postpone the scheduled November 2026 Barangay and SK Elections (BSKE) to November 2028.
Senate Bill No. 2387, filed on Thursday, proposes amendments to Republic Act No. 12232, arguing that longer terms would provide village and youth officials with greater stability to carry out development programs while minimizing disruptions caused by frequent elections.
If enacted into law, succeeding barangay and SK elections would be held every five years beginning in November 2028.
In his explanatory note, Escudero said the proposed extension is intended to strengthen continuity in grassroots governance by giving elected officials enough time to implement long-term community programs and fulfill their mandates before returning to the electorate.
He said the measure would allow barangay governments to concentrate on delivering public services instead of repeatedly preparing for electoral contests, adding that longer terms would encourage more consistent implementation of local development initiatives.
The bill contains a transitory provision extending the tenure of incumbent barangay and SK officials by two years, with the extension counted as part of their completed term in office.
However, the proposal preserves existing term-limit restrictions.
Barangay officials who have already completed three consecutive terms in the same position would remain barred from seeking reelection to the same office in the November 2028 polls, while SK officials would continue to be limited to a single term under existing law.
The measure comes as preparations for the 2026 Barangay and SK Elections continue, with election authorities already undertaking early logistical planning.
If approved by Congress and signed into law, the proposal would significantly alter the country’s electoral calendar by deferring the next village and youth elections by two years while giving incumbent local officials a longer period to complete grassroots programs and projects.
ia/xf
