SC upholds RA 12232 extending BSK officials' term to four years

The Supreme Court has upheld Republic Act No. 12232, a law extending the term of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (BSK) officials to four years.

The High Court dismissed consolidated petitions challenging the law's constitutionality, clarifying that RA 12232 is a term-setting law and not merely a postponement of elections.

The SC stated that the rescheduling of the BSKE polls from December 2025 to November 2026 is incidental to the law's primary purpose of establishing a four-year term.

The ruling emphasizes that Congress has the constitutional authority under Article X, Section 8 to set the term duration for barangay officials and determine election schedules.

Incumbent BSK officials will continue their service until new officials are elected in the rescheduled polls.