MANILA (September 23) — The proposed postponement of the November 2 barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections to November 2028 is drawing opposition from election watchdog Legal Network for Truthful Elections (Lente), which said another extension of local officials’ terms would deprive voters of a scheduled opportunity to hold them accountable.
In a statement Tuesday, September 22, Lente opposed the measure extending the terms of barangay and SK officials from four to five years, saying the change would move the next Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) beyond the date previously set by law.
“Extending barangay and SK officials’ terms again, without letting voters weigh in, is a step away from accountability at the government level closest to ordinary Filipinos,” Lente said.
The group called on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to veto the measure and allow the November 2 elections to proceed.
Lente said permitting the elections to push through would give voters the opportunity to assess the performance of officials at the level of government most directly connected to communities.
The group also linked the proposed postponement to its broader concern over accountability and corruption in local government.
Congress votes for longer terms
The House of Representatives has adopted the Senate version of the measure, clearing the way for the bill to be transmitted to Malacañang for presidential action.
Under the measure, the terms of incumbent barangay and SK officials would be extended from four to five years, with the next BSKE moved from November 2, 2026, to November 2028.
The measure amends Republic Act No. 12232, which governs the term of office and election schedule of barangay and SK officials.
The proposed change comes after previous adjustments to the BSKE schedule, making the question of how long incumbent local officials remain in office a recurring issue in electoral accountability.
Lente argued that another postponement would mean voters would have to wait longer before exercising their regular electoral check on barangay and SK officials.
The decision now shifts to Malacañang
With Congress having completed action on the measure, the next decision rests with the President.
Lente urged Marcos to reject the bill, saying a veto would demonstrate a commitment to accountability and allow the scheduled November 2 polls to proceed.
The President’s action will determine whether barangay and SK officials remain in office for the extended five-year term or whether voters return to the polls as scheduled this November.
For communities, the issue goes beyond the election date itself: it determines when voters will next have the opportunity to pass judgment at the local level on officials whose decisions directly affect barangay services, youth programs and community governance.
