MANILA, Philippines — The Senate approved on third and final reading a bill that would give barangay (village) officials and members of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) four-year terms.
Sen. Bong Go, a co-author of Senate Bill (SB) 2816, highlighted its potential to enhance stability and continuity in local governance.
“As one of the bill’s authors, I am very pleased with the advancement of this proposal, as it fosters stability and continuity in the leadership of barangay and SK,” said Go.
The bill proposes four-year terms for barangay and SK officials but limiting them to three consecutive terms in the same position. It also ensures that the next regular elections for these officials will be held in October 2027, with subsequent elections scheduled every four years.
Go also reminded barangay and SK officials of their primary duty to serve their constituents. “I have only one request to our barangay and SK officials: let us prioritize serving our poor countrymen, and let us keep our offices open for all of them, especially for your constituents in your barangay,” he said in Filipino.
As chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth, Go underscored the measure’s potential to empower young leaders and foster civic engagement.
“Meanwhile, as the chairman of the Senate Committee on Youth, the bill ensures that the Sangguniang Kabataan continues to play a vital component in youth representation, as this will also ensure the opportunity to empower young leaders and encourage civic engagement. Extending their term allows them to maximize their contributions to youth development and nation-building.”
The senator also acknowledged the efforts of Sen. Imee Marcos, the bill’s principal sponsor. “I thank and congratulate the principal sponsor of this measure, our dear colleague, Senator Imee Marcos, for pushing this significant measure that will surely be of great help to our fellow Filipinos,” he added.
As an advocate for barangay welfare, among Go’s other priority legislative proposals is SB 197, or the Magna Carta for Barangay Officials. If enacted, the bill will give barangay officials significant benefits and privileges, recognizing their sacrifices and motivating them to serve their communities more effectively.
Go also filed SB 427, the Barangay Health Workers Compensation Act, which seeks to guarantee fair compensation for barangay health workers who play a pivotal role in community health services.
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