ESCUDERO WELCOMES SIGNING INTO LAW OF 5-YEAR BARANGAY, SK TERMS

SENATOR Francis “Chiz”  Escudero on Friday welcomed President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signing into law of Republic Act No. 12326, setting a five-year term for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials.

The new law also moved the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections to November 2028.

“Nilagdaan na ni Pangulong Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. ang batas na nagtatakda ng limang‑taong termino para sa mga opisyal ng barangay at Sangguniang Kabataan, at naglilipat ng BSKE sa Nobyembre 2028. Ito ang hakbang na inaasahang magbibigay ng katiyakan at katatagan sa pamamahala na siyang pinakamahalaga dahil ang barangay ang frontliners ng pamahalaan sa anumang serbisyo publiko.” Escudero said.

As the principal author of the measure in the Senate, Escudero said the  new law will give a clearer cycle in the implementation of programs and delivery of services at the barangay level.

“Bilang pangunahing may-akda ng nasabing panukala sa Senado, malinaw sa atin na ang layunin ng batas na ito ay ayusin ang sistema at tiyakin na may malinaw na ikot o siklo sa pamamahala sa barangay. Kapag maayos ang termino, maayos din ang serbisyo,” he said.

According to Escudero, a five‑year term provides a better governing window than the current four years, allowing barangay and SK officials sufficient time to organize, implement, and evaluate programs without the disruption of frequent elections.

“Barangays are planners, implementers, first responders, peacekeepers, conciliators, and frontline service providers—all at a scale where government knows the family, the street, and often the problem by name,” he explained.

Escudero thanked President Marcos  for promptly signing the measure as he credited lawmakers in both the Senate and the House of Representatives for supporting the reform.

“Sa kanilang tulong, napagtibay natin ang isang batas na magbibigay ng mas matatag, mas episyente, at mas makatarungang pamamahala sa ating mga barangay,“ the Bicolano solon said.