PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. yesterday signed the measure setting the new terms of office of barangay and youth officials and effectively postponing the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) to the first Monday of November 2026.
Under Republic Act 12232, all barangay and SK officials will have a term of office of four years. Barangay leaders can serve for three consecutive terms, or a total of 12 years, for the same position, while youth leaders can only serve for one term in the same position.
Under the present law, barangay and SK leaders have a three-year term of office.
The new law states that the BSKE shall be held every four years after November 2026. The terms of office of elected officials shall start on the first day of December following their election.
It also states that all incumbent elective barangay officials who are serving their third consecutive term in the same position shall not be eligible to run for the same position in the November 2026 polls.
All incumbent barangay officials and SK members shall remain in office, unless sooner removed or suspended for cause until their successors are elected.
“Voluntary renunciation of office for any length of time shall not be considered as an interruption in the continuity of service for the full term for which the elective official was elected,” it also said.
The Commission on Elections (Comelec) shall craft the necessary rules and regulations for the implementation of the new law within 90 days from the effectivity of RA 12232, which shall take effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette or a national daily.
