House Bill on Barangay Officials Term Extension Advances
Senate President Francis “Chiz” Escudero appeared to be misinformed regarding the status of the House bill on Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (BSK) officials term extension, local leaders noted. Contrary to his statement, the House Bill (HB) No. 11287, which proposes to extend BSK officials’ terms from three years to six years, has already progressed beyond the committee stage.
According to the House of Representatives Spokesperson Princess Abante, the bill was approved on second reading as early as January 27 and successfully passed the third and final reading during the plenary session on June 9. “Unfortunately, mukhang misinformed si Senate President… Hindi totoo yung sinabi ni Senate President na hindi pa nakakapasa sa committee level yung bill na inaayos ang term ng ating mga barangay officials,” she said in a press briefing.
Legislative Progress and Next Steps
Abante further explained that the bill, which also limits village and youth officials’ terms to two, is now ready for transmittal to the bicameral conference committee. “In fact, kagabi ay naipasa na ito on third reading, including the sister of the Senate President. Ma-tatransmit na rin sya for bicameral conference as well,” she added.
Escudero had earlier claimed that the House had not passed any bill postponing or extending the elections or setting new terms, and that the measure remained at the committee level. He also noted that the bill was not certified as urgent, which he believed would delay its progress to the bicameral committee.
House and Senate Versions Differ
The House approved HB No. 11287 with a vote of 153–4–1. Meanwhile, the Senate version of the bill sets the next BSK elections for December and limits terms to four years. Cagayan de Oro 2nd District Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, who opposed the Senate’s version citing insufficient time for current officials to implement their projects, welcomed the House’s version.
“Ready ang House of Representative para ayusin, pagdebatehan, at martify lahat ng mga pending na mga measures sa bicameral conference natin,” Abante stated, emphasizing the House’s commitment to resolve outstanding issues during bicameral discussions.
The differing schedules and term limits between the House and Senate versions will be tackled in the bicameral conference to finalize the bill.
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