TACLOBAN CITY — The Senate has approved Senate Bill No. 2816, which seeks to extend the terms of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials to four years, with a unanimous 22-0 vote on its third and final reading on January 14.
The proposed measure is a landmark reform aimed at enhancing local governance by providing stability and continuity in barangay and SK leadership. The bill also includes term limits and sets a new election schedule to further streamline local operations.
Engr. Billy Roseño, president of Tingog Kabataan Inc., commended the Senate’s move, emphasizing that the longer term would benefit communities by allowing more time for officials to implement programs and projects.
“We fully support the extension of terms to 2027 to give the barangay and SK officials a longer period to implement their various programs and projects,” Roseño said in a statement.
Roseño said that the proposed measure demonstrates the government’s commitment to strengthening grassroots leadership and empowering local officials to serve their communities effectively.
Among the key provisions of the bill include the four-year term extension of the terms of barangay and SK officials to four years from the current shorter duration; term limits, officials can serve a maximum of three consecutive terms in the same position to balance experience with fresh leadership; voluntary resignation clause, voluntary resignation, regardless of its timing, will not be considered an interruption of the official’s term to ensure accountability.
Based on the proposed measure, the new barangay and SK elections are set for the first Monday of October 2027, with subsequent elections every four years.
They are to assume office on November 1 following their election.
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives for concurrence. Once approved, it will be forwarded to the President for signing into law.
The measure is expected to significantly affect barangay and SK operations by providing officials with more time to focus on long-term planning and sustained implementation of development projects. The term limits ensure that governance remains dynamic, promoting both continuity and innovation.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)
