In a significant legislative move, the House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading a bill seeking to extend the term of elected officials in the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) system. House Bill (HB) No. 11287, which aims to amend provisions of Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, was passed during the plenary session held on Monday.
A total of 153 lawmakers voted in favor of the measure, while only four opposed it and one abstained. The bill introduces major changes to the term lengths and election schedule of barangay and SK officials across the country.
Under the bill, Section 42 of the Local Government Code will be amended to set the next synchronized barangay and SK elections on the second Monday of May 2029. Furthermore, it provides for an extension of the term of office for elected officials from three years to six years.
Lawmakers supporting the bill argued that lengthening the term of barangay and SK officials would promote continuity in local governance and allow elected leaders more time to implement programs and projects. Proponents said the current three-year term often proves too short for officials to make meaningful progress in their respective communities.
“This measure is a step toward strengthening grassroots governance. By giving local officials a longer mandate, we ensure better planning, execution, and sustainability of programs for our constituents,” one of the bill’s principal authors stated during the deliberation.
However, the measure also faced some opposition. Critics raised concerns that a longer term without sufficient safeguards could reduce accountability and increase the risk of complacency among local officials. They called for the inclusion of performance evaluations and midterm assessments to ensure continued public service quality.
Despite these concerns, the bill’s approval brings it closer to becoming law. It now awaits action in the Senate, where a counterpart measure must be deliberated and passed.
If enacted, the law will mark a significant shift in the country’s local governance structure and could set the tone for future reforms in the barangay and SK systems. The 2029 elections would also usher in the first batch of officials to serve the proposed six-year term.