BY: JOSE ROBERT INVENTOR
With 22 votes from senators, Senate Bill No. 2816, which extends the term of Barangay and SK officials to four years, passed the third reading.
Under this bill, officials will now serve for four years per term.
The Barangay Captain of Mines View Barangay in Baguio City sees this as a positive development, stating that the current two-year term is insufficient.
According to PB. Antero Buswilan Jr., Barangay Mines View, “In my opinion, this is beneficial because, as barangay officials, implementing projects takes time. With a short term, elections come before you even complete a project.”
In her sponsorship speech, Senator Imee Marcos explained that longer terms will enable Barangay and SK officials to better understand local and national issues.
Public opinion, however, is split.
“It’s good because it allows them to complete what they’ve started, which benefits the barangay,” said Jehan Ngitte, a resident.
“Shorter terms would be better, they can just re-elect those who perform well. Sometimes, SK officials fail to fulfill their responsibilities,” said Ezell Canol, a resident.
The bill now awaits President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.’s signature to become law.
If approved, the next Barangay and SK elections will be moved to 2027.