By Tracy Cabrera
With the extension of the terms of barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (BSK) officials to five years, the government is set to save about ₱30 billion in election costs while giving Congress time to review the youth council system, according to House deputy speaker Janette Garin.
In an pronouncement, the former health secretary and incumbent Iloilo District I representative disclosed that the Lower House had adopted Senate Bill No. 2387, which sets a five-year term for barangay and SK officials and likewise postponed this year’s BSK polls to November 2028.
“The House adopted the Senate-approved measure after senators passed it on third and final reading, 13-5. This step could save the government approximately ₱30 billion in direct costs, which could instead be used to address problems caused by disasters,” Garin pointed out at a media forum.
The measure also imposes a two-term limit on barangay officials moving forward, with each term lasting five years.
Garin added to clarify that officials who are already serving a second or third term would be on their final term under the new rule.
Despite public opinion bring divided on the extension of terms, particularly among constituents dissatisfied with their barangay officials, she cited that Congress must also weigh the cost of holding another nationwide barangay and SK election against other government priorities, including disaster response.
“The longer period before the next elections could also give lawmakers time to examine complaints involving the SK system. This is not included in the proposed law, but we strongly feel and hear the complaints and problems involving the Sangguniang Kabataan,” the deputy speaker noted.
She underscored that the complaints did not involve all SK officials but included allegations of misuse of the youth councils’ financial autonomy, such as purportedly forged signatures of SK treasurers and checks whose proceeds were allegedly not properly accounted for.
“Some lawmakers are considering amendments to the SK system, while others are studying its possible abolition. Neither proposal is included in the five-year-term measure,” she enthused.