MANILA — President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has signed into law a measure postponing the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) and extending the term of incumbent barangay and SK officials from three years to five years.
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| Photo courtesy: Presidential Communications Office (PCO) |
Marcos announced the signing of Republic Act No. 12326 on Friday, September 25, moving the regular BSKE from November 2, 2026, to the second Monday of November 2028.
The President said the additional time in office should be used to improve public service, complete ongoing programs, and address the needs of communities, families, and young people.
Under the new law, the next BSKE will be held in November 2028 and every five years thereafter, while elective barangay officials may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms in the same position and SK officials one term.
Incumbent barangay officials will be considered to have completed one full term because of the two-year extension, while those already serving their final term will be barred from seeking the same position in the 2028 elections.
The law also provides rules for filling vacancies in SK positions, continuing training for barangay and SK officials, and the use of unexpended election funds for preparations for the 2028 national and local elections.
Meanwhile, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Chairperson George Garcia said the poll body has stopped preparations for the November 2, 2026 BSKE following the law’s enactment.
Garcia said the filing of Certificates of Candidacy scheduled for next week will no longer proceed, while Comelec will issue a resolution formally canceling activities related to the 2026 village and youth elections.
With the BSKE postponed, Comelec will also conduct nationwide voter registration from the second week of November until July 30, 2027, in preparation for the 2028 national and local elections.
RA No. 12326 takes effect upon publication in the Official Gazette or a newspaper of general circulation.
— The Summit Express
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