BSKE reset, 5-year term bill transmitted to Palace -- Win Gatchalian

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The proposed measure seeking to postpone the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) and allow five-year terms for barangay officials has been transmitted to Malacañang, Senate President Sherwin Gatchalian said Thursday.

"Pinadala na namin kay Presidente at sa pagkaalam po wala namang balita na ive-veto niya. So, ma-extend ng five years. Ma-extend ng additional two years 'yung incumbent na barangay official," Gatchalian told reporters.

(We already sent it to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and from what I know, there are no news that he will veto it. So, the terms of barangay officials will be extended to five years. Terms of incumbent barangay officials will be extended by two more years.)

"Wala naman akong nababalitaan na ive-veto nila ng Malacañnang, so masa-sign 'yun anytime, maybe this week," he added.

(I did not receive any news that Malacañang will veto it, so it may be signed anytime. Maybe this week.)

Gatchalian shared that the proposed measure was transmitted Wednesday, but Malacañang has yet to notify when will the President will sign it.

The BSKE is scheduled for November 2, while the filling of certificates of candidacy will be from September 28 to October 5, 2026.

Last week, the Senate approved on third and final reading a bill seeking to extend the term of office of barangay officials and SK members to five years instead of four.

With 13 affirmative votes, five negative votes, and no abstentions, the upper chamber approved Senate Bill 2387 during its plenary session.

The measure seeks to amend Republic Act 12232 by revising the current four-year term of barangay and SK officials to five years, and moving the next BSKE from the first to the second Monday of November 2028.

It also provides that no elective barangay official shall serve for more than two consecutive terms in the same position, while no elective SK official shall serve for more than one term in the same position.

Senator Francis "Chiz" Escudero, the measure's principal author and sponsor, said the five-year term would give barangay and SK officials more time to plan, implement, and evaluate programs before the next elections. — VDV, GMA News