MANILA, Philippines — Extending the term of office for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) leaders to five years will establish greater stability and a clearer operational cycle for grassroots governance, according to Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero.
Escudero, the primary author and sponsor of the measure in the Senate, issued the statement following the signing of Republic Act (RA) No. 12326 by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.
The new law reschedules the next synchronized Barangay and SK Elections (BSKE) to November 2028 and fixes the mandate of elected local officials to a five-year cycle.
“Bilang pangunahing may-akda ng nasabing panukala sa Senado, malinaw sa atin na ang layunin ng batas na ito ay ayusin ang sistema at tiyakin na may malinaw na ikot o siklo sa pamamahala sa barangay,” Escudero said.
The lawmaker highlighted that a standardized tenure is essential at the village level, where officials serve as the government’s primary responders to community needs.
“Kapag maayos ang termino, maayos din ang serbisyo,” he said.
Escudero advocated for the measure as a permanent structural reform rather than a temporary poll postponement. During committee discussions, he emphasized that establishing a fixed five-year period creates a predictable timeline for planning and delivering local public services.
Under RA 12326, the upcoming regular BSKE will take place on the second Monday of November 2028, with all subsequent elections following the new five-year interval.
The Senator also extended his appreciation to the President and his colleagues in Congress for passing the legislation.
“Nagpapasalamat tayo sa Pangulo sa agarang pagsasabatas sa Republic Act No. 12326,” he said.