Comelec Board of election Inspectors and poll clerks begin the counting of ballots as voting ends at the Paranaque Elementary School Central in Paranaque City on October 30, 2023. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File
MANILA — The House of Representatives has adopted the Senate-approved bill which sets the term of barangay officials and Sangguniang Kabataan members to five years as an amendment to its counterpart House bill, which was approved on final reading by the lower chamber last week.
The bills also seek to move the November 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections to the second Monday of November 2028.
The lower chamber’s move harmonizes House Bill 10971 and Senate Bill 2387, allowing Congress to do away with the convening of a bicameral conference committee to reconcile the disagreeing provisions of the two versions.
“We have been informed that the committee on local government, sponsor of House Bill 10971 as well as the authors thereof are in concurrence with the provisions of Senate Bill 2387. In accordance with our rules, I move to adopt Senate Bill 2387 as an amendment to House Bill 10971,” House Deputy Majority Leader and Sorsogon 1st District Rep. Bernadette Escudero said during the House plenary session on Wednesday.
Under the Senate Bill, Barangay officials have a two-term limit for the same position while SK officials are limited to one term.
Mayors shall appoint replacements for vacancies to the SK.
The bill also states that those benefitting from the two-year extension now will be considered to have served one full five-year term already, and those on their last term are barred from seeking another term in the same position.
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