Manila: Senator Imee Marcos rallied her colleagues to support Senate Bill (SB) No. 2816, which seeks to extend the terms of office of barangay (village) and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials. Under the proposed measure, all elected barangay and SK members would have a six-year term of office and be allowed to serve two consecutive terms in the same position.

According to Philippines News Agency, during her sponsorship speech on Tuesday evening, Marcos highlighted the challenges faced by barangay officials due to additional duties and responsibilities imposed by the national government and larger local government units (LGUs). She expressed concern that these additional tasks prevent barangay officials from fully exercising their core functions and initiating their own programs and projects.

The senator pointed out that the average term of barangay officials from 1982 to 2022 is just under five years, which she argues is insufficient for fulfilling their duties under the existing law. “It is evident that t
hree years is grossly inadequate for these officials to comply with their added obligations and at the same time exercise their own discretion in promoting the general welfare of their constituents,” Marcos stated.

Under SB 2816, the next regular Barangay and SK elections would be held on the second Monday of May 2029 and every six years thereafter, ensuring that they do not coincide with national and local elections. Marcos further noted that as of September 12, 2024, more than 1,151 barangay, city, municipal, and provincial resolutions, along with 165 resolutions from SK chapters nationwide, have endorsed the measure.