• GILBERT P. BAYORAN
The postponement of the 2026 Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections (BSKE) is likely to push through following a strong alignment between legislative measures in both chambers, Negros Occidental Third District Rep. Javier Miguel Benitez said on Thursday, Sept. 10.
He noted that the House and Senate versions of the postponement bill share nearly identical provisions, increasing the likelihood that they will be adopted smoothly before being transmitted to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for his signature.
Senate Bill No. 2387 proposes extending the terms of barangay officials and SK members from four to five years.
It also moves the upcoming BSKE from the first Monday of November 2026 to the first Monday of November 2028, establishing a five-year election cycle moving forward.
Meanwhile, House Bill No. 10971 was overwhelmingly approved on its third and final reading during Tuesday’s plenary session.
The bill secured 211 affirmative votes, 13 negative votes, and one abstention.
Under the provisions of the proposed law, incumbent barangay and SK officials who are currently serving their third consecutive term will be barred from running in the rescheduled November 2028 elections. | GPB
