PHILIPPINE ELECTIONS

MANILA, Philippines – President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, August 13, signed into law a measure that postpones the next Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections and extends the term of office for local officials.

Republic Act No. 12232, which the President signed, moves the December 2025 BSKE to the first Monday of November 2026. The law also extends the term of office for barangay and SK officials to four years, an increase from the current three-year term. The new law mandates that the BSKE will be held every four years thereafter.

Under the new legislation, winners of the 2026 polls will assume office on December 1 of the same year. All incumbent barangay and SK officials will remain in their positions until their successors are elected and qualified.

The law sets new term limits, with barangay officials now limited to a maximum of three consecutive terms in the same position. SK officials, on the other hand, are limited to a single term. Incumbent officials who have already served their maximum terms are barred from seeking the same position in the 2026 elections.

The Commission on Elections (Comelec) is tasked with issuing implementing rules and regulations for the law within 90 days of its effectivity. The law takes effect immediately upon its publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.

Last week, President Marcos had indicated his plan to sign the bill, citing the need to prioritize the Bangsamoro Parliament elections in October. He explained that holding the BSKE in December would be a logistical challenge for Comelec, which is already managing the May midterm elections and the upcoming Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) elections.

“Ang COMELEC actually ang nagsasabi: ‘Hindi namin kaya’ (It’s actually the Comelec that’s saying: ‘We can’t handle it’),” the President said, emphasizing the historical significance and criticality of a successful BARMM election for the Mindanao peace process.