Philippines Senate urged to extend barangay and SK official terms

Senator Francis Escudero has urged the Philippine Senate to act urgently on Senate Bill No. 2387, which proposes extending the term of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials from four years to five years.

Escudero emphasized the need for a decision before the end of September to provide predictability for the upcoming Barangay and SK Elections (BSKE) scheduled for November. With the filing of certificates of candidacy set for next month, a prompt ruling is necessary to determine if the elections will proceed as planned or be reset under a new term structure.

The senator noted that the Constitution empowers Congress to determine the terms of barangay officials, a principle affirmed by the Supreme Court. The measure seeks to weigh administrative efficiency and continuity against accountability and democratic change.