MANILA, Philippines — Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has filed a measure seeking to extend the terms of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials from four years to five years, a move that would reset the next barangay and SK elections to November 2028.
Under Senate Bill No. 2387, Escudero proposes to amend Republic Act No. 12232, which currently sets the term of barangay and SK officials at four years. The measure would allow incumbent officials to remain in office until 2028, effectively completing a full term following the earlier two-year extension of their tenure.
Escudero said a longer term would give barangay and youth leaders greater opportunity to carry out programs and development projects without being disrupted by frequent electoral transitions. He emphasized that barangays serve as the government’s frontline in delivering essential public services, maintaining peace and order, and pursuing community development.
“Barangay governance plays a crucial role in the effective delivery of public service, peace and order, and community development,” Escudero said in his explanatory note.
The senator argued that extending the electoral cycle would promote stability, continuity, and more efficient implementation of local development plans, particularly since many barangay projects require several years to complete. Frequent changes in leadership, he noted, can result in administrative resets and interruptions in ongoing programs.
The proposed measure would retain the existing term-limit provisions. Barangay officials may serve a maximum of three consecutive terms, while SK officials remain limited to one term. Officials already serving their third consecutive term would no longer be eligible to seek another term in the November 2028 elections.
Escudero said aligning barangay terms with medium-term development planning would help strengthen local institutions and provide communities with more consistent governance. The proposed five-year cycle, he added, is aimed at giving barangay leaders enough time to pursue more coherent and sustainable development strategies.
If enacted, the measure would mark a significant change in the electoral cycle of the country’s more than 42,000 barangays and could reshape the timeline for local leadership and community development programs nationwide.
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