MANILA, Philippines — The House of Representatives has approved on second reading a measure that will set at six years instead of three the terms of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials.

House Bill No. 11287, which lawmakers approved on second reading in Monday’s plenary session, would also effectively move the barangay and SK elections (BSKE) set in December this year to 2029.

“The synchronized barangay and SK elections shall be held on the second Monday of May 2029 and every six years after,” the bill stated. The last BSKE were held in October 2023.

Article continues after this advertisement

READ: Romualdez, House solons propose 6-yr term for barangay, SK execs

FEATURED STORIES NEWSINFO Tulfo airs side on son’s busway use: An honest mistake, apology given NEWSINFO Maslog camp to appeal Sandiganbayan guilty verdict NEWSINFO 2 anti-Sara rallies set for same day, but difference arises

Under HB 11287, which seeks to amend Section 43 (c) of Republic Act No. 7160, or the Local Government Code, no elective barangay official shall serve for more than two consecutive terms in the same position.

“Voluntary renunciation of the office for any length of time shall not be considered as an interruption in the continuity of service for the full term for which the elective barangay official concerned was elected,” it added.

Article continues after this advertisement Holdover period

As for SK officials, they will be limited to just one term. Meanwhile, incumbent barangay and SK officials elected in October 2023 will remain in office until their successors are elected or they are removed or suspended for cause.

Article continues after this advertisement

Barangay officials eligible to run for reelection are those serving their first term following their election in 2023. Those on their second or third consecutive terms cannot run for reelection.

Authorities last month unveiled several stimulus policies – from interest rate cuts to relaxing home-buying rules – after struggling since the end of Covid restrictions to reignite growth and get business activity back on track.

Two years later, plans to repurpose the country’s oldest coal power plant have amounted to little in a process that offers caution and lessons for countries intending to reduce their reliance on fossil fuels and switch to renewables.

jackpot mania Article continues after this advertisement

Quezon City Rep. Ma. Victoria Co-Pilar, who sponsored the bill, said the measure would allow barangay and SK officials to implement long-term programs, offering “stability and better continuity of government programs.”

Another sponsor of HB 11287, Assistant Majority Leader Arnan Panaligan, maintained that extending their term of office would professionalize barangay and SK officials.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Three years is too short for barangay officials to implement programs,” he said.

Panaligan explained that barangay and SK officials were required to undergo training in leadership and governance with the Department of the Interior and Local Government and “their term is almost over by the time they receive that training.”

Your subscription could not be saved. Please try again. Your subscription has been successful.

Subscribe to our daily newsletter

SIGN ME UP

By providing an email address. I agree to the Terms of Use and acknowledge that I have read the Privacy Policy.

“A sufficient term of office would give a chance for them to improverbet,” he added.

READ NEXT Marcos hopes Chinese New Year will make people ‘confiden... Court issues hold departure order vs 30 cops in ‘staged’ d... EDITORS' PICK 1998 textbook scam suspect Maslog convicted of graft PH agri sector output down 2.2% in 2024 Maharlika open to buying Chinese stake in NGCP Hontiveros flags grant of PH citizenship to Chinese trader Increased police presence set at Marilaque Highway after viral crash More MSMEs out to brave IPO mart MOST READ Dina Bonnevie laments on first birthday after husband's death: Why him, not me? Maslog camp to appeal Sandiganbayan guilty verdict 2 anti-Sara rallies set for same day, but difference arises Tulfo airs side on son’s busway use: An honest mistake, apology given Follow @FMangosingINQ on Twitter --> View comments