PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law Republic Act No. 12326, which postpones the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) and extends the term of office for incumbent village and youth council officials from four to five years.
Originally set for November 2026, the next BSKE will now be held on the second Monday of November 2028.
Announcing the enactment on social media, President Marcos emphasized that the two-year term extension comes with increased responsibility rather than entitlement.
“The additional time in office is additional time to serve,” Marcos stated. “It is not additional time to remain in office. It is additional time to be accountable to the people.”
He urged current local leaders to maximize the period by enhancing public service delivery, completing pending community projects, and focusing on the needs of families and youth.
Presidential Communications Office Undersecretary Claire Castro highlighted the crucial role of barangay officials in local administration, noting that the extended tenure will allow officials to better sustain essential public initiatives, including crime prevention, community peace and order, and flood mitigation efforts like proper waste disposal.
Republic Act No. 12326 amends Republic Act No. 12232, establishing subsequent barangay and SK elections every five years moving forward.
Under the new framework, elective barangay officials are limited to two consecutive terms, while SK officials remain capped at a single term.
Incumbent officials will stay in office until their successors are elected and qualified.
Following the law’s signing, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairman George Erwin Garcia announced the cancellation of upcoming election activities, including the filing of certificates of candidacy previously slated for September 28 to October 5.
The ban on public works and social services has also been lifted.
Garcia noted that while the law could face legal challenges before the Supreme Court, the poll body will comply with existing legislation.
Voter registration is scheduled to resume in the second week of November and will run through July 30, 2027.