Senator Escudero urges Senate to act on proposed 5-year barangay, SK terms

Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero urged his colleagues on Tuesday to fast-track Senate Bill No. 2387, which proposes extending the terms of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials from four to five years.

Delivering his sponsorship speech for Committee Report No. 77, Escudero stressed the need for the Senate to resolve the measure before the end of September to remove uncertainty surrounding the Barangay and SK Elections (BSKE) scheduled for November.

With the filing of certificates of candidacy scheduled for next month, Escudero noted that Congress must swiftly settle whether the elections will proceed or be postponed under the proposed five-year framework.

“Mr. President, I ask that the body act on this bill with urgency—for or against it—before the end of September, given that the Barangay Elections are scheduled for November and the filing of Certificates of Candidacy is slated for next month,” Escudero said.

“Although I favor this measure, I hope this body prioritizes it so we can provide predictability regarding the upcoming elections—whether they will push through or be postponed in accordance with the new term approved by Congress,” he added.

Escudero highlighted that Article X, Section 8 of the Constitution explicitly grants Congress the authority to determine the term length of barangay officials—a power affirmed by the Supreme Court in Macalintal v. Senate. The Court recognized the need to balance continuity, accountability, administrative efficiency, and democratic reform when setting term lengths.

Key Arguments for the Extension

Policy Judgment: Escudero framed the measure as a strategic policy choice to determine if a five-year term offers a more effective governing window than the current four-year cycle.

Administrative Stability: A longer tenure allows local leaders to plan, execute, and evaluate long-term community programs without constant election disruptions.

Frontline Impact: As planners, first responders, and peacekeepers, local officials benefit from sustained governance at the grassroots level.

Historical Precedent: Past legislation—including Republic Act Nos. 6653 and 8524—previously established five-year terms for local leaders.

Broad Stakeholder Support

Jointly prepared by the Committees on Local Government and Finance, Committee Report No. 77 endorses SB 2387 with amendments, consolidating it with SB 2067, authored by Senator Imee Marcos.

During public hearings, key civic and government organizations voiced strong backing for the measure, including:

• Liga ng mga Barangay

• National Citizens’ Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL)

• Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV)

• National Youth Commission (NYC)

Stakeholders agreed that a five-year term would foster local governance stability and end the recurring cycle of election postponements.