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2026-08-28 00:32 UTC → 2026-09-15 13:53 UTC ·
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Philippines Senate approves bill on local official terms
Senator Francis Escudero introduced The Philippine Senate has approved Senate Bill 2387, which No. 2387 on its third and final reading, moving the measure toward implementation. The bill proposes fixing extending the terms tenure of office for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials at five years. The measure aims from four to provide stability in grassroots governance five years and prevent frequent election postponements. Escudero clarified that rescheduling the bill’s intent is Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) from November 2026 to establish a fixed November 2028, with subsequent elections occurring every five years. Under the approved measure, incumbent officials will be credited with completing one term length, stating, “My bill does not extend. My bill fixes.” due to the two-year extension. However, officials currently serving their third consecutive term will be ineligible to run in the November 2028 elections. The proposal has received support bill passed with a 13-5 vote, facing opposition from various groups, senators including the National Youth Commission Vicente Sotto III, Risa Hontiveros, Paolo Aquino IV, Kiko Pangilinan, and the Liga ng mga Barangay, who Joel Villanueva. Proponents, such as Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian, argue that longer extending terms allow for better implementation of community programs and disaster response. Under the proposed law, barangay officials could serve up to three consecutive terms, while SK officials would be limited reduce government costs related to one. Following election cycles. Critics and election watchdogs have raised concerns regarding the initial hearings, Escudero has urged financial implications, noting that the Senate to act urgently Commission on the bill before the end of September. This timeline is intended to provide predictability for the Barangay and SK Elections (BSKE) scheduled for November, as the ruling will determine if the elections proceed under the current structure or a new five-year mandate. (Comelec) has already utilized approximately P8 billion of its P19-billion BSKE budget. Furthermore, opponents expressed concern that postponing polls prevents voters from replacing ineffective local leaders.