Marcos signs law postponing barangay, SK elections to 2026

President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. signed into law a bill postponing the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections from December 2025 to November 2, 2026.

The new law extends the term of office for barangay officials and members of the Sangguniang Kabataan to four years, with no official allowed more than three consecutive terms in a barangay position or one term as an SK member.

Veteran election lawyer Romulo Macalintal filed a petition before the Supreme Court on Friday questioning the constitutionality of this law.

Barangay and SK officials will now serve up to 12 years, compared to the previous nine-year limit under three-year terms. Incumbent officials will remain in their positions until successors qualify, barring those serving their third consecutive term from re-election in November 2026.

The presidents of the Association of Barangay Councils and the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation in Baguio City have called on fellow officials to focus on serving constituents rather than worrying about extended terms.

Councilor Rocky Aliping, ABC Federation president, reminded village leaders that performance will ultimately determine their fate in future elections.

SK Federation president John Rey Mananeng acknowledged concerns over the four-year term but urged SK officials to continue working, especially with youth representation facing gaps and unused funds.