The House of Representatives has approved a measure seeking to extend the term of office of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials from four years to five years.
House Bill 10971 was approved on third and final reading on Tuesday, after receiving 211 affirmative votes, 13 negative votes, and one abstention from lawmakers.
If enacted into law, the measure will amend Republic Act No. 12232 by establishing a fixed five-year term for barangay and SK officials, allowing local leaders more time to implement programs and projects in their communities.
The bill also provides for the postponement of the synchronized Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) originally scheduled for November 2026. The next elections will instead be held on the second Monday of November 2028.
Following the transition period, subsequent barangay and SK elections will be conducted every five years, creating a fixed electoral cycle for local officials.
The measure also introduces revised term-limit provisions for barangay and SK leaders. Under the proposed law, barangay officials may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms in the same position, while SK officials will remain limited to one term.
The bill further states that incumbent barangay officials who are already serving their third consecutive term will no longer be allowed to seek the same position in the 2028 elections.
As part of the transition arrangements, officials currently holding office will be considered to have completed their terms due to the extension of their tenure by two additional years.
Any remaining funds allocated for the previously scheduled 2026 BSKE will remain with the Commission on Elections (Comelec) as continuing appropriations to support preparations for the 2028 elections.
Supporters of the measure said the longer fixed term would provide barangay and SK officials with more time to complete development programs while ensuring a more consistent and predictable election schedule for local government units.