PH Senate approves five-year term for barangay, Sangguniang Kabataan officials

The Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading a bill extending the term of office for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials from four to five years.

With 13 affirmative votes, five negative votes, and no abstentions, lawmakers passed Senate Bill No. 2387, which amends Republic Act No. 12232.Under the proposed measure, the next regular Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) will be moved to the second Monday of November 2028, with subsequent elections held every five years.

Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero, principal author and sponsor of the bill, said a five-year term provides local leaders the operational stability needed to deliver long-term community programs without continuous electoral disruption.

"A five-year term accounts for the transition of organizational work required at the start of every administration while providing barangay and SK officials a longer, uninterrupted period to formulate, implement, evaluate, and refine their programs," Escudero said.

Escudero highlighted that as community planners, peacekeepers, and first responders, barangay officials serve as the direct link between government services and local households. He noted that lengthening their tenure strikes a balance between governance stability and voter accountability.

"Elections remain regular, periodic, and certain: the electorate knows when the election will occur, can hold officials accountable at definite intervals, and retain full democratic control over barangay governance," he added.

The bill also shifts election day from the first to the second Monday of November. Escudero explained that this adjustment gives the Commission on Elections (Comelec) and local government units additional logistical leeway, avoiding conflicts with the heavy public travel around All Saints' Day.

-Paraluman JNews