The House of Representatives has approved on third and final reading House Bill 11287, which seeks to change the term of office of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (BSK) officials from three years to six years beginning at noon of June 30, 2029.
Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, a principal author of the bill, stated that if the measure is enacted, all incumbent BSK officials elected on October 30, 2023, will remain in office until the next synchronized elections on the second Monday of May 2029, and every six years thereafter.
“This means that the BSK polls scheduled in December this year are reset to May 2029,” he clarified.
Rodriguez added that the bill also sets a two-term limit for barangay officials, while Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officers will serve for only one term.
He had previously voiced opposition to the Senate’s plan to proceed with BSK polls in December, arguing that a two-year term is insufficient for village leaders.
“The officials will not be given enough time to fully implement their plans, programs, and activities which they have promised their constituents,” he explained.
He also contended that holding elections soon would further exacerbate disunity within communities and families.
“The wounds and divisions created by the recent elections among our people are still fresh. We cannot afford to have more fractiousness,” he added.
Rodriguez further emphasized that proceeding with the December polls would impose significant financial strain on national coffers.
“We have just spent tens of billions for the May 12 vote for senators, members of the House of Representatives, and provincial, city, and town officials. An additional at least P8 billion is estimated to be expended for the BSK balloting,” he pointed out.
Such a substantial amount, he concluded, would be better utilized for barangay development projects.
