Marcos signs law postponing 2026 barangay, SK elections to 2028

MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed a bill postponing the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE), originally scheduled for 2026, to the first Monday of November 2028. The new law also extends the term of office for incumbent village and youth officials from four to five years. The approval of Republic Act No. 12326 was announced by Palace Press Office Claire Castro during a press briefing on Friday, September 25, in Batac City, Ilocos Norte. Castro explained that lawmakers and the President recognized the crucial role of barangay officials, particularly in implementing programs for crime prevention and flood mitigation. "We need them now. So if there will be an election, we will be having difficulty implementing these programs," she stated. In a statement, President Marcos emphasized that the postponement is not an extension of tenure but an additional period for accountability to the people. "This is not additional time in office. This is additional time to be accountable to people," he said. This move aims to ensure continuity in local governance and the effective implementation of community-based initiatives. However, it may also raise concerns about delaying the democratic process at the local level. Information Source: Philstar Nation