President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has officially signed into law a measure postponing the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections from December 2025 to November 2026. The enactment follows the approval of the proposal by both chambers of Congress, citing logistical concerns and the need for continuity in local governance.
Under the new law, barangay officials and SK members will now have a fixed term of four years. This adjustment aims to provide elected community leaders with a longer period to implement development programs, improve public services, and strengthen grassroots governance.
The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) is expected to adjust its preparations and timelines in line with the revised schedule. COMELEC Chair George Garcia previously noted that postponements often require budget realignments and recalibration of election-related activities, including voter registration and poll worker training.
Supporters of the postponement argue that it will give incumbent barangay and SK officials more time to complete ongoing projects and adapt to post-pandemic governance challenges. They also highlight the potential cost savings from deferring the elections for nearly a year.
However, critics have raised concerns over the repeated rescheduling of barangay and SK polls, warning that prolonged terms without a fresh mandate could reduce accountability and weaken democratic processes at the community level.
The next barangay and SK elections are now slated for November 2026, with the newly elected officials expected to serve until 2030, unless future legislation changes the schedule again.
The Palace emphasized that the move is part of a broader plan to align election calendars and improve governance efficiency, ensuring that grassroots leadership remains responsive to the needs of local communities.