The House of Representatives has approved on second reading a measure proposing to extend the terms of elected barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials from four to five years.
“House Bill number 10971 is now approved. As amended, it’s now approved for second reading,” the House announced.
House Bill No. 10971 seeks to amend Republic Act No. 12232, which currently sets a four-year term for barangay and SK officials.
If enacted, the measure would give elected barangay and SK officials five-year terms, while limiting barangay officials to two consecutive terms. Those already serving their third consecutive term would be barred from seeking the same post in the 2028 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE).
The bill also proposes holding the next BSKE on the second Monday of November 2028, after which barangay and SK elections would be conducted every five years.
Negros Occidental 3rd District Representative Javi Benitez introduced an amendment allowing unused election funds to remain available to the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for preparations for the 2028 national and local elections and other lawful expenses.
“Any expended balances of the appropriations authorized for the conduct of the Barangay and Sangudinang Kabataan elections shall be deemed continuing appropriation of the Commission on Elections,” Benitez said.
“It shall remain available as a funding source to cover the preparatory activities for the national and local elections of 2028 and such other lawful expenditures and purposes as may be determined by the Commission,” the lawmaker added.
The proposal still needs approval on third reading in the House, passage in the Senate, and the President’s signature before it can become law.