Bill extending term of brgy execs approved at House panel level

By Jordan Domingo

MANILA --- A bill seeking to extend the term of office for Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials has been approved by the House Committee on Local Government, chaired by Negros Oriental 2nd District Rep. Manuel Sagarbarria.

During a hearing on Tuesday, the committee passed the still-unnumbered substitute bill, which proposes amendments to Section 42 of Republic Act No. 7160. If enacted, the next Barangay and SK elections will be held on the second Monday of May 2029, and elected officials will serve six-year terms instead of the current three years.

Congressional leaders highlighted that extending the term of barangay officials would ensure continuity of local projects and shield officials from excessive politicking.

In the Senate, Senator Imee Marcos has also filed Senate Bill No. 2629, which similarly proposes a six-year term for barangay officials. Marcos argued that the current three-year term is insufficient for community leaders to effectively formulate, develop, and implement their own policies and projects.

She explained that barangay officials often spend much of their term executing mandates from the national and local governments, leaving little time for their initiatives. Marcos, who chairs the Senate panel on electoral reforms, also emphasized the cost-saving potential of reducing the frequency of barangay elections.

In 2023 alone, the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) required a budget of approximately P18 billion to conduct the elections. Marcos warned that election costs would likely rise further due to inflation and the potential automation of barangay elections.

Under her proposed bill, the term of office for barangay officials would extend to six years, with a cap of two consecutive terms. Voluntary renunciation of office would not interrupt the continuity of service for the full term.

The next regular barangay elections would be scheduled for the last Monday of October 2029 and every six years thereafter. Elected officials would assume office at noon on November 30 following their election.