House OKs extended term for barangay officials on 2nd reading

House of Representatives (Photo: House of Representatives of the Philippines/Facebook)

By Filane Mikee Cervantes, Philippine News Agency

MANILA – A bill extending the term of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials from three to six years has hurdled second reading at the House of Representatives.

During its session Monday, the chamber passed through voice voting House Bill 11287, which seeks to amend Sections 42 and 43 of Republic Act 7160, also known as the Local Government Code of 1991.

Cagayan de Oro City 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, author of the bill, emphasized the measure’s potential to improve stability at the barangay level and ensure the continuity of programs initiated by current leaders.

“This would ensure more stability in the barangay level and ensure that the programs initiated by the current leaders would come to fruition,” Rodriguez said.

He also noted that less frequent elections would help reduce political divisiveness among communities.

“It is common knowledge that elections, whether national, local, or barangay, prove to be divisive among the populace. Candidates and their supporters try to destroy their opponents by using any means necessary just to be able to secure victory,” he said.

The bill proposes to set synchronized barangay and SK elections every six years on the second Monday of May starting in 2029.

The measure, meanwhile, would impose a term limit of two consecutive terms for barangay officials and a one-term limit for SK officials.

It also includes a transitory provision allowing barangay and SK officials elected in October 2023 to remain in office until the May 2029 elections unless removed or suspended for cause.