By Benjamin Cuaresma
MANILA, Philippines — The Senate has moved closer to extending the terms of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to five years, approving a measure on second reading that would push the next local village elections to 2028.
Senate Bill No. 2397, sponsored by Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, was approved despite opposition from five senators.
Voting against the measure were Senate President Pro Tempore Vicente “Tito” Sotto III and Sens. Joel Villanueva, Risa Hontiveros, Bam Aquino and Kiko Pangilinan.
If enacted, the proposal would move the scheduled Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) from November 2026 to November 2028. The last barangay and SK elections were held in 2023.
Sotto challenged the proposed extension, arguing that another postponement would further delay voters’ opportunity to choose their local leaders. He noted that the elections had already been moved from 2025 to 2026.
During the Senate deliberations, Sotto said the repeated postponement of barangay elections could undermine public confidence in the importance given to the country’s government units closest to communities.
He also maintained that the Commission on Elections was prepared to conduct the November 2026 polls and urged senators to reconsider the proposed extension.
Sotto separately sought to prevent barangay officials facing administrative, civil or criminal cases from benefiting from a term extension or holdover arrangement.
He argued that the provision would serve as a safeguard in cases involving incumbent officials accused of wrongdoing.
Escudero, however, warned that automatically removing officials from holdover status simply because a case had been filed could be abused.
He pointed out that complaints could be initiated against barangay officials by political opponents or other individuals, potentially preventing them from carrying out their duties even without a final finding of liability.
Escudero said this was also why disqualification generally requires a final conviction rather than merely the filing of a case.
The Senate nevertheless adopted an amended provision addressing officials facing cases. Under the amendment, incumbent barangay and SK officials may be barred from sitting in a holdover capacity when ordered by a court or other competent authority in accordance with law.
The measure also makes clear that the proposed changes would not exempt incumbent officials from existing investigations, liabilities or proceedings involving administrative, civil or criminal cases.
The Senate action follows approval by the House of Representatives of a similar measure setting the term of barangay and SK officials at five years.
ia/xf
