MANILA — The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Sunday welcomed the enactment of Republic Act 12232, which grants barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials four-year terms and sets the next elections in November 2026.

The law, signed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., also sets clear limits of three consecutive terms for barangay officials and one full term for SK leaders in the same position.

“The new law gives local leaders greater opportunity to plan, implement, and sustain programs that will bring genuine and lasting change in their communities. Dahil sa batas na ito, mas malawak ang pagkakataon ng mga barangay at SK officials na makapagpatupad ng makabuluhang pagbabago at makapaglingkod nang tapat sa bawat barangay,” the DILG said in a statement.

The agency said it will work closely with stakeholders to ensure effective implementation of the law, which it described as part of the Marcos administration’s push for stronger grassroots leadership and empowered communities.