Extending the tenure of local barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) leaders to five years could generate roughly P30 billion in public savings, according to a senior House leader.
Deputy Speaker and Iloilo Representative Janette Garin highlighted the financial benefits of the measure during the Saturday News Forum in Quezon City, noting that the retained funds could be redirected toward emergency needs and disaster response.
“Itong hakbang na ito ay makaka-save ang gobyerno ng approximately P30 billion direct cost at magagamit ito sa pagtugon ng mga problema ngayon dala ng sakuna,” Garin said.
The House of Representatives recently adopted Senate Bill No. 2387, following its approval in the upper chamber with a 13-5 vote. The proposed law establishes a five-year term for barangay and youth council officers and reschedules the next local elections to the second Monday of November 2028.
Under the new framework, local representatives will also be subject to a strict two-term restriction going forward.
“So kung ikaw ay nasa second term mo, last term mo na ’yan. Kapag ikaw ay nasa third term mo, eh last term mo na rin ’yan. Moving forward, two terms, five years each term,” Garin explained.
While acknowledging public debate surrounding term extensions, particularly among voters dissatisfied with local administration, Garin urged citizens to consider the immense national expenditure required to conduct polling cycles.
Additionally, Garin pointed out that delaying the next elections affords lawmakers crucial time to address growing concerns surrounding the youth council framework.
“Wala ito doon sa panukalang batas, pero ramdam na ramdam namin at rinig na rinig namin ang mga reklamo at problema ukol sa Sangguniang Kabataan,” she noted.
While clarifying that operational issues do not apply universally across all youth councils, Garin disclosed that legislators have received reports of financial irregularities within SK bodies, including unverified check issuances and allegations of forged treasurer signatures.
She emphasized that while structural reform or potential abolition of the youth councils is being discussed by various lawmakers, such proposals remain completely separate from the term-extension bill.
“So ’yung extension from four to five years will also be a breathing space para ma-review ng mga may intensyon at nananawagan sa posibilidad na magkaroon ng pag-amenda doon sa SK, or doon naman sa total abolition ng Sangguniang Kabataan,” she stated.
As an alternative, Garin suggested that local governance could still maintain youth advocacy by integrating designated youth representatives directly within the main barangay council.
“Kasi pwede naman magkaroon ng youth representative ’yung ating barangay kagawad,” Garin said.