Senate Approves Extension of Terms for Barangay and SK Officials

On June 11, 2025, the Senate of the Philippines ratified the bicameral conference committee report aimed at extending the terms of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials from three years to four years. This decision, which modifies the existing terms set under Republic Act No. 9164, is seen as a significant step in local governance reform, aiming to enhance stability and continuity within local leadership structures.

The bicameral report, which emerged from Senate Bill 2816 and House Bill 11287, was approved during a session late Wednesday evening. The key provision of the report stipulates that barangay officials will now be allowed a maximum of three consecutive terms in the same position, while SK officials will be permitted only one term. This adjustment reflects the government’s intention to streamline local governance and provide a more stable political environment.

According to Senator Maria Lourdes Nancy Binay, who sponsored the bill, this extension is essential for fostering effective governance at the barangay level. "By allowing officials to serve longer, we can ensure that they are given ample time to implement their programs and initiatives effectively," she stated during the Senate session (Binay, Senate Session, June 11, 2025).

The ratified report also includes a provision to postpone the upcoming Barangay and SK elections, which were originally scheduled for December 2025, to the first Monday of November 2026. This delay aims to synchronize elections with other significant electoral events, thereby improving voter turnout and engagement.

The decision has garnered mixed reactions from various stakeholders. While some local government officials support the extension, arguing it allows for greater continuity in local governance, others express concerns about the potential entrenchment of political dynasties. According to Dr. Enrique Dela Cruz, a political science professor at the University of the Philippines, "The extension of terms might inadvertently reinforce local political families, making it harder for new leaders to emerge and for political competition to thrive" (Dela Cruz, Interview, June 2025).

Public sentiment on this issue appears divided. A recent survey conducted by the Social Weather Stations (SWS) in May 2025 indicated that 57% of respondents were in favor of extending the terms, while 43% opposed it, citing concerns about accountability and governance (SWS, May 2025). The results indicate a significant public interest in how local governance is structured and the implications of such policy changes.

Internationally, the extension of terms for local officials has been a topic of discussion in various governance forums. The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) has emphasized the importance of stable local governance structures in achieving sustainable development goals (UNDP, 2024). The Philippines’ decision to extend local officials' terms aligns with global trends of seeking continuity in governance to foster local development.

Looking ahead, the implications of this policy change are significant. The extended terms could allow barangay and SK officials to implement more comprehensive and long-term projects, potentially leading to improved public services and community development. However, it will also necessitate greater oversight and accountability mechanisms to ensure that these officials remain answerable to their constituents.

As the new election date approaches, stakeholders will closely monitor the effects of this term extension on local governance dynamics and its impact on the political landscape in the Philippines. The extension of terms for barangay and SK officials represents a pivotal moment in the country’s local governance framework, promising both opportunities and challenges for future administrations.