MANILA, Philippines — Senate Majority Leader Juan Miguel Zubiri on Thursday said senators "are closely divided" over whether to proceed with the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (BSKE) elections in November this year that would effectively extend the term of incumbent local officials.
Speaking to reporters, Zubiri said only two senators—Sen. Robin Padilla and Sen. Vicente “Tito” Sotto III—have so far interpellated on the measure during plenary deliberations, while several other senators are still expected to raise questions and express their positions.
He said the bill’s sponsor, Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, wanted the measure to be put to a vote by the second week of September.
"The Senate is divided. I’d say it’s very close, with the senators split when it comes to whether to postpone the elections or proceed with them," Zubiri said during a press conference.
Zubiri said that if the proposed measure fails to gain approval, the Commission on Elections would immediately know the outcome and would have to prepare for the scheduled Nov. 2 elections.
He clarified, however, that Escudero’s proposal is not simply a postponement of the BSKE. Instead, the measure seeks to establish a five-year term for barangay and SK officials.
Under the proposal, if approved, the next BSKE would be held in November 2028, while the current incumbent barangay officials would be considered to be serving their first five-year term.
Zubiri acknowledged that he has many friends among barangay officials who favor either a five-year term or the postponement of the elections.
However, he also recognized that many constituents want elections to push through so they can have the opportunity to replace their current barangay officials.
Zubiri also made a lighthearted remark about the lengthy terms of SK officials, joking that some of them may already have spouses and children by the time elections are held.
Despite the differing views among senators, Zubiri said the issue is expected to be settled soon.
He assured the public that by Sept. 16, it should be clear whether the 2026 BSKE will proceed as scheduled or be affected by the proposed changes.
To recall, the last BSKE was held in 2023, and was supposed to happen again in 2025, but was postponed to November 2026 after the officials’ term was extended to four years.
Escudero earlier filed Senate Bill 2387, which seeks to amend Republic Act 12232, or "An Act Setting the Term of Office of Barangay Officials and Members of the Sangguniang Kabataan, and for Other Purposes."
Meanwhile, Sen. Imee Marcos filed Senate Bill 2067, which seeks to move the BSKE from November 2026 to October 2027 as it would fall on All Souls' Day this year.
