FILE

In a move that's set to shake up local governance, the Senate on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, gave its stamp of approval to Senate Bill No. 2816, which sets a fixed four-year term for barangay officials and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) members. The bill, which sailed through with a unanimous vote—22 senators in favor and zero objections or abstentions—marks a significant shift in how local leaders will serve their communities.

Senator Imee R. Marcos, the bill’s sponsor, highlighted the benefits of this longer term during her speech, emphasizing how it will allow barangay officials and SK members to gain a deeper understanding of national and local issues. "With the longer fixed term, they can implement medium and long-term initiatives that will have a more lasting impact at the barangay level," she explained.

So, what’s in the bill? Here's the gist:

• Four-Year Term Limit: All elected barangay officials and SK members will serve for four years, with a cap of three consecutive terms in the same position.

• Election Schedule: The next barangay and SK elections are set for October 2027, and will occur every four years thereafter. Newly elected officials will assume office on November 1 following the elections.

• Incumbent Provisions: Current barangay officials and SK members will stay in their positions until their successors are elected and qualified, unless they are removed or suspended for cause. Those serving their third consecutive term won’t be eligible to run in the 2027 elections for the same position.

With this bill on the brink of becoming law, barangay and SK officials are gearing up for a new era of local governance that promises stability and the chance to make more meaningful changes in their communities.