Senate Approves 5-Year Term for Barangay, SK Officials

The Philippine Senate on Monday approved on third and final reading a bill seeking to extend the term of office for barangay (village) officials and members of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK - youth council) from the current four years to five years. The measure passed with 13 affirmative votes, five negative votes, and no abstentions. Senate Bill No. 2387 aims to amend Republic Act No. 12232, extending the current four-year term. Proponents argue that a five-year term will provide officials more time to plan, implement, and evaluate programs, thereby enhancing their ability to serve their communities effectively. Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero, the principal author and sponsor of the bill, stated that the extended term would give officials "more time to implement programs and projects that will truly benefit their communities." He highlighted the crucial role of barangays as "planners, implementers, first responders, peacekeepers, and frontline service providers—all at a level where government interacts directly with households and families." However, the bill faced opposition from Senators Vicente Sotto III, Bam Aquino, Joel Villanueva, Francis Pangilinan, and Risa Hontiveros. Senator Sotto announced his intention to file a "turno en contra" (vote against) to explain his objections. The bill also proposes moving the next regular Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) from the first to the second Monday of November 2028, with subsequent elections to be held every five years thereafter. Furthermore, it establishes term limits: no elective barangay official shall serve for more than two consecutive terms in the same position, while no elective SK official shall serve for more than one term in the same position. This legislative move is seen as an effort to foster greater continuity in local governance and improve the execution of development projects at the grassroots level. Opponents, however, may voice concerns regarding potential entrenchment of power or reduced opportunities for new political engagement.