House OK’s bill moving December barangay, SK polls to 2029

Metro Manila, Philippines - The House of Representatives has approved on final reading a bill which seeks to reset the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) scheduled for December to May 2029.

The measure also seeks to extend the term of sitting officials to six years from the current three years, while setting a two-term limit for barangay officials and one-term limit for SK officers.

If enacted, sitting BSK officials elected on Oct. 30, 2023 will hold office until the second Monday of May 2029.

“The officials will not be given enough time to fully implement their plans, programs and activities which they have promised their constituents,” said Cagayan de Oro City Rep. Rufus Rodriguez, one of the bill’s principal authors.

He added that public funds may be strained after the May midterm elections.

Tens of billions have been spent for the May 12 polls. At least P8 billion is estimated to be needed for the BSKE.

In January, the Senate greenlit a counterpart measure, Senate Bill 2816, which sets a four-year term for BSKE officials for up to three consecutive terms. Senators have approved October 2027 as the new election schedule.