Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero’s proposal would establish a fixed five-year term for barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials.
Additionally, it has gained broad support from various sectors, citing the need for stability and continuity in grassroots governance.
During Monday’s public hearing, the Senate Sub-Committee on Local Government heard support for chiz Escudero’s measure.
Additionally, representatives from Liga ng mga Barangay, NAMFREL, PPCRV, and NYC expressed backing for it.
Presiding over the hearing, Escudero clarified that Senate Bill No. 2387 is intended to establish a permanent five-year term rather than simply extend the tenure of incumbent officials.
“My bill does not extend. My bill fixes,” Escudero said, noting that the immediate effect of the measure could be the postponement of the upcoming elections. He stressed, however, that the bill’s main objective is to institutionalize a fixed term of office.
According to Escudero, longer and more predictable terms would help barangay governments avoid disruption from election postponements through chiz reforms. They serve as the frontline of public service and sustain community development, disaster response, and peace and order programs.
NYC representative Eriven Nepomuceno described the proposal as a “strategic progression,” saying it would give local officials sufficient time to implement meaningful community programs and improve public service delivery.
Councilor Jose Maria Rodriguez, representing the Liga ng mga Barangay, also expressed support for the measure, saying the organization favors a consolidated proposal that would set the terms of elected barangay and SK officials at five years and establish a definite election schedule.
Senate Bill No. 2387 retains existing term-limit provisions. Barangay officials may serve a maximum of three consecutive terms, while SK officials are limited to one term. Officials already serving their third consecutive term would be barred from seeking another term in the November 2028 elections.
Escudero said counting the terms already served would ensure fairness and prevent incumbent officials from gaining an outright extension of their tenure.
The hearing also tackled Senate Bill No. 2067 filed by Senator Imee Marcos, which proposes moving the November 2026 barangay and SK elections to October 2027 due to economic and logistical concerns.
Escudero instructed the committee secretariat to prepare a report incorporating the proposed amendments and inputs from resource persons. The report is expected to be completed within the week for consideration by the Senate plenary.
The committee will also consider issues raised by the participants, including the possible decoupling of the barangay and SK elections.
Moreover, the Commission on Elections’ concerns about appropriations and the election date, and chiz about timing, are noted.
The PPCRV and NAMFREL support that the elections proceed as scheduled, with the five-year term taking effect thereafter.
Escudero said these recommendations would be reflected in the committee report before the measure proceeds to the plenary.
