The Senate passed a bill granting barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials a four-year term of office, while postponing this year’s elections to October 2027 and scheduling polls every four years thereafter.
The measure, approved with 22 affirmative votes, aims to provide officials more time to implement medium- and long-term programs at the barangay level, according to Sen. Imee Marcos.
However, critics argue the postponements, previously ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court, are politically motivated.
The bill also limits officials to three consecutive terms in the same position, with voluntary resignations not considered as term interruptions.
Once enacted, the new terms will begin on November 1 following each election.
Source: PhilNews24 | January 15, 2025
