Bill extending barangay, SK terms sent to Palace for President's signature

MANILA, Philippines — The bill extending the term of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials from four to five years, and rescheduling the upcoming November 2026 polls to 2028, has been sent to the Office of the President for signature. The Senate approved the bill on September 14 by a 13-5 vote, and the House of Representatives adopted the Senate's version on September 16, bypassing a bicameral conference committee. Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian stated on September 24 that the bill has been transmitted to the President, and there is no indication of a veto. However, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. mentioned on Wednesday that the bill had not yet reached his office and that he had not yet decided on postponing the polls. The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is proceeding with preparations for the elections, with the filing of certificates of candidacy scheduled to begin on September 28. If signed into law, this would mark the second postponement of these elections in two years. President Marcos Jr. previously signed Republic Act 12232 in August 2025, which moved the elections from December 2025 to November 2026. The last barangay and SK elections were held in October 2023. The President has 30 days from receipt of a bill to sign or veto it; inaction results in the bill lapsing into law. The proposed extension aims to ensure continuity in local leadership and potentially reduce election-related expenses. However, such postponements can spark discussions about democratic processes and political motivations. Barangay and SK elections are significant avenues for citizen participation in local governance, and their deferral can raise questions about political stability and the conduct of governance.