MANILA, Philippines — A Senate panel has approved the proposed bills postponing the November 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) and fixing the officials' term from four to five years.
Escudero, who presided over the Senate Committee on Local Government hearing on Monday, directed the committee secretariat to draft a report reflecting the amendments and resource persons’ inputs, which is expected to be completed this week for deliberation in the plenary.
"Subject to the amendments proposed by the parties which we shall consider—including the decoupling, the Comelec’s points on appropriations and the election date, as well as the position of PPCRV and Namfrel that elections proceed as scheduled with the five‑year term to begin thereafter—we shall reflect these in the committee report," Escudero said.
Escudero 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.
The BSKE is scheduled for Nov. 2.
