MANILA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has signed into law a measure postponing the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) scheduled for Nov. 2 and extending the terms of incumbent officials to five years.

Republic Act No. 12326, or the Act Fixing the Term of Office of Barangay Officials and Members of the Sangguniang Kabataan to Five Years, sets the next BSKE on the second Monday of November 2028.

The law effectively gives barangay and SK officials elected in 2023 an additional two years in office.

“Ang dagdag na panahon sa panunungkulan ay dagdag na panahon para maglingkod,” Marcos said.

He said the extended term should be used to improve public service, complete ongoing programs, and address the needs of communities, families, and young people.

“Hindi ito dagdag na panahon sa puwesto. Dagdag itong panahon ng pananagutan sa taumbayan,” Marcos said.

Under the law, incumbent elective barangay officials will be considered to have completed one term in their respective positions despite the two-year extension.

Those serving their last term in the same position will be ineligible to run for the same post in the November 2028 BSKE.

The law also provides that vacancies in the Sangguniang Kabataan will be filled through appointment by the city or municipal mayor, while vacancies in the SK chairperson position will be filled through succession as provided by law.