The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has expressed support to extend the term of office of Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials amid moves to postpone the elections.
In a statement, the DILG explained that extending the term of the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) to four years provides them the opportunity to plan, implement and sustain programs that will bring genuine and lasting change in their communities.
Earlier President Marcos signed Republic Act (RA) 12232, granting barangay and SK officials to serve for four-year terms, while postponing the Barangay Sangguniang Kabataan Election (BSKE) from December 2025 to November 2026.
"Dahil sa batas na ito, mas malawak ang pagkakataon ng mga barangay at SK officials na makapagpatupad ng makabuluhang pagbabago at makapaglingkod nang tapat sa bawat barangay (With this law, barangay and SK officials will have greater opportunities to implement effective change and serve honestly in every barangay),’’ the DILG noted.
Further, the new law introduces clear term limits of three consecutive terms for barangay officials and one full term for SK leaders in the same position, which strengthens both continuity and accountability in local governance.
The DILG vowed to work closely with all stakeholders to ensure the law’s effective implementation.
It added that the reform reflects the Marcos administration’s commitment to stronger grassroots leadership and more empowered communities across the nation.
Two petitions were earlier filed seeking to declare unconstitutional RA 12232 with both petitions seeking the issuance of a temporary restraining order (TRO) that would prevent the enforcement of RA 12232 and allow the holding of the BSKE on Dec. 1, 2025.
But in a motion to admit petition for intervention, the Liga ng Mga Barangay sa Pilipinas (Liga) represented by its National President Maria Katrina Jessica G. Dy asked the SC to dismiss two earlier petitions which challenged the constitutionality of RA 12232.
Dy was joined in the petition by about 50 barangay chairpersons in Isabela, Leyte, and Misamis Oriental, and represented by lawyers Alberto C. Agra, Janice Kristine R. Ramos, and Uella Vida V. Mancenido-Gayo.
The group informed the Supreme Court that Congress has the power to fix the term of office of barangay and SK officials under Sections 3 and 8 of Article X and Section 1, Article VI of the Constitution.