Senator Marcos Clarifies 2025 Barangay and SK Elections Delay
Senator Imee Marcos clarified on Monday, June 16, that the postponement of the 2025 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Elections under the new Congress-approved measure setting fixed terms for barangay and SK officials is incidental. The keyphrase “2025 Barangay and SK Elections” highlights the main topic.
She emphasized that this bill is fundamentally different from Republic Act No. 11935, which extended the terms of barangay officials elected in 2018. “While RA 11935 simply extended the tenure pro hac vice, Senate Bill No. 2816 establishes fixed terms for barangay and SK officials once and for all,” Marcos said.
Before adjourning sine die last week, the Senate ratified the bicameral conference committee report that extends the terms of barangay and SK officials to four years. According to the bill, all elected barangay and SK officials will serve four-year terms, with barangay officials limited to three consecutive terms in the same position.
SK officials, on the other hand, will be allowed only one term per position. The measure also schedules the next Barangay and SK elections on the first Monday of November 2026 and every four years after.
Implications of the New Election Schedule
Senator Marcos appealed to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to sign the measure promptly. She explained that early approval would allow the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to shift focus and resources to the upcoming Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections scheduled for October.
However, election lawyer Romulo B. Macalintal raised concerns about the law’s constitutionality. He noted that the proposed measure shares the same legal issues as RA 11935, which the Supreme Court declared unconstitutional in June 2023.
Macalintal explained that although the bill is styled as “An Act Setting the Terms of Office” for barangay officials, its real effect is to postpone the December 1, 2025 elections to November 2026. This effectively extends the incumbents’ tenure without a fresh mandate from the public.
He warned that while Congress has the power to set terms of office, it cannot extend the term by delaying elections. Doing so would infringe on the people’s constitutional right to choose their leaders through timely elections.
Balancing Fixed Terms and Election Rights
The debate highlights a delicate balance between establishing fixed terms for barangay and SK officials and respecting voters’ rights. The bill’s proponents argue that fixed terms will provide stability and clearer leadership timelines. Meanwhile, critics caution against any law that may undermine democratic processes by postponing elections.
Local leaders and election watchers continue to follow the developments closely as the bill moves toward the President’s signature. The outcome will shape the future of grassroots leadership and election schedules in the Philippines.
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