A new legislative push by Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero proposes extending the tenure of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) leaders from four to five years, a move that would push the slated November 2026 local polls to 2028.
In filing Senate Bill No. 2387, Escudero argued that lengthening terms is essential to “enhance the stability and consistency of public service at the barangay level.”
If enacted, the measure would amend Republic Act No. 12232, signed in August 2025, which had previously fixed four-year terms and set the upcoming vote for the first Monday of November 2026. Under Escudero’s proposal, the next polls would instead take place on the first Monday of November 2028, establishing a regular five-year election cycle moving forward.
Highlighting the pivotal role of local councils as primary service providers, Escudero stressed that grassroots governance requires adequate time to effectively carry out community programs, maintain peace, resolve disputes and manage disaster responses.
“The proposed measure seeks to enhance the stability and consistency of public service at the barangay level by providing for a five-year term for barangay officials and members of the Sangguniang Kabataan. Such intervention would promote continuity in governance, provide sufficient time for community development initiatives, reduce disruptions caused by frequent electoral exercises, and enable officials to focus on public service rather than on electoral cycles,” Escudero noted in the bill’s explanatory document.
He added that the extension would “ultimately” allow local leaders to fulfill their mandates under the Local Government Code of 1991, which positions the barangay as the cornerstone unit for policy execution and community dialogue.