Senate OKs four-year terms for barangay officials

The Senate unanimously approved a bill on Tuesday setting four-year terms for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials with a limit of three consecutive terms.

Senator Maria Imelda R. Marcos argued that longer fixed terms would allow barangay officials to better understand national and local issues and implement long-term initiatives.

All 22 senators voted in favor of Senate Bill No. 2816 without any negative votes or abstentions.

Under the proposed law, current officials must stay in office until successors are elected, barring those serving a third consecutive term from running again in the October 2027 elections.

The bill mandates that barangay and youth council elections will be held every first Monday of October starting in 2027 and every four years thereafter.

Senator Imee Marcos, sponsor of the bill, said officials would hold over until the next election on October 20, 2027, with the assumption of office taking place on November 1 following their election.

Senators Robin Padilla and Ramon 'Bong' Revilla Jr. also expressed support for the measure, highlighting its potential to fulfill barangays’ mandates.